Padel is no longer just a trendy sport; it’s becoming a significant economic powerhouse. With around 30 million amateur players worldwide, the market for this exciting sport is rapidly expanding. In this lively context, Barcelona stands out as a major hub, hosting the second edition of the Padel World Summit (PWS) at the Gran Via venue from May 27 to 29.
The Gran Vía at Fira de Barcelona will be the site of the largest international padel trade fair. More than 120 exhibitors from around the globe, along with roughly 100 top experts, will gather at the Padel World Summit—organized by Fira de Barcelona and the International Padel Cluster. This event aims to explore the Olympic potential of the sport while tapping into its vast business opportunities. Attendees can expect a congress, an investor forum, and eight playing courts for product demonstrations, exhibition matches, and clinics led by leading academies.
Mireia Álvarez, president of the International Padel Cluster, emphasizes that “padel is not only a sport that is thriving but also a sector ripe for growth. This event is poised to be a major catalyst for that.”
A Hub for Padel Enthusiasts
The exhibition area will showcase over 120 prominent brands in the industry, including well-known names like Adidas, Babolat, and Head. There will be a range of offerings related to sports equipment, court installations, and tech services for clubs.
However, the summit is about more than just showcasing products. The Padel Global Conference, themed Building a Global Phenomenon from the Ground Up, will gather over 50 experts to address key challenges facing the sport, such as professionalizing clubs, ensuring facility sustainability, enhancing coaching, and advocating for padel’s inclusion as an Olympic sport in 2032.
Notable speakers include Eric Babolat, CEO of Babolat, and Ana Gómez, marketing director of Adidas’ padel operations. The sporting side will be highlighted by Serbian player Bojana Jovanovic and Fernando Belasteguín (Bela), widely regarded as the best player in the sport’s history.
The Padel World Summit also encourages innovation through its Innovation Arena, featuring startups like Weebora and SportAI, which will present new ideas such as travel planning apps and AI-based training solutions. Around 45 speakers will share insights and trends, and the Investor & Business Forum provides a platform for networking and connecting innovative projects with investors.
Attendees will have the chance to engage with eight playing courts set up in Hall 6, where they can watch demonstrations, join clinics, and attend exhibition matches hosted by top academies.
Padel’s Rapid Growth
According to the International Padel Federation (FIP), padel is enjoyed in 130 countries, supported by 87 national federations, and has over 600,000 registered players. Spain leads the way with more than 16,000 courts, followed by Italy, Argentina, and Sweden.
This expansion isn’t just in participation; it’s evident in economic potential as well. The Global Padel Report 2024 predicts the global padel club market could reach €6 billion by 2026. With this exciting future in sight, the Padel World Summit 2025 aims to solidify its growth, expecting around 6,000 visitors, including club members, industry professionals, investors, and officials.
