Padel: The new sports hit in Frankfurt is conquering the leisure world!

Padel: The new sports hit in Frankfurt is conquering the leisure world!

What is happening in recreational sports? Padel, the emerging racquet sport that represents a perfect mix of tennis and squash, is increasingly conquering the hearts of people in Hesse and beyond. This dynamic sport, which is played in a 20x10 meter glass box, offers some interesting game tactics through its walls. Christoph Trüe, managing partner of the Sportpark Frankfurt, has invested in this trend and built the first four padel courts in 2023 for an impressive 250,000 euros. The demand is enormous, so the opening times and the number of courts have already had to be expanded to meet the needs of the players.

A particular focus is on the social benefits of playing padel. This sport was not only seen as a way to stop the decline in membership in tennis clubs, but also promotes community interaction. For example, clubs in Hesse, such as the tennis club, have built padel courts to strengthen shared activities and social cohesion. After all, there are currently around 80 members playing in a community with a population of 1,400. Many of them are former tennis players and have found the more effortless accessibility to padel beneficial.

A look at the global padel boom

The numbers speak for themselves: According to the “Global Padel Report”, the number of padel courts worldwide has increased from around 10,000 to almost 50,000 since 2016, with a forecast of 85,000 places by 2026. There are now around 600 padel courts available in Germany, which means an increase of 300 compared to the previous year. The accessibility for newcomers, especially children and teenagers, and the high net playing time per hour make this sport so appealing.

Padel tournaments, like the last SG Niederwalgern-Wenkbach tournament, have also become more popular in Hesse. In freezing temperatures, almost 20 club members were able to put in just as much effort to test their skills. The atmosphere was convivial and there was even a fireworks display after the last ball. Such events not only promote sport, but also the community.

The economic aspects of padel sports

In addition, padel is also becoming more economically relevant. Companies in the sports business are increasingly recognizing the opportunities that this dynamic market offers. Between infrastructure, product innovations and professional events, numerous possibilities open up. An example of this is the Hexagon Cup, a team tournament that is causing a stir and drew over 30,000 spectators to the Madrid Arena in January 2025. Prominent captains such as Lionel Messi and Robert Lewandowski increase media attention for the event and bring a breath of fresh air to the sporting landscape.

Developments in the sport of padel demonstrate not only the growing interest in this sporting activity, but also the need for clubs and non-profit organizations to adapt and find innovative solutions. Catering in clubs is seen as economically viable with the introduction of padel, as less space means more fun. A new racket center with padel and pickleball courts was recently opened in Hofheim, further underlining the growing popularity of these racquet sports.

We can expect a lot more from padel and its stories in the coming years. The 2032 Brisbane Olympics may be just around the corner, which could bring additional popularity to the sport. One thing is clear: Padel continues to make a splash and will make the recreational sports market even more turbulent.

For more information on developments in padel sports, visit FAZ, [DW].