Padel’s Journey to Becoming an Olympic Sport

Will We See Padel in the Olympics Soon?

As one of the fastest-growing racket sports in the world, padel is gaining momentum not only among amateur players but also on the international sports scene. A common question now emerges: Could padel become an Olympic sport in the near future?

Let’s explore what it takes for a sport like padel to enter the Olympic Games — and why it might happen sooner than you think.

What Does Padel Need to Join the Olympics?

For any sport to be officially recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), it must meet a set of specific criteria. Here's what padel still needs to secure its spot on the Olympic stage:

1) Wider Global Participation 

To be considered, a sport must be practiced by men in at least 75 countries and women in at least 40 countries across four continents.

Padel is expanding rapidly, with national federations already established in Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East.

Emerging markets in Asia and North America are also showing significant growth.

2) Standardized Rules and International Governance 

The IOC requires a unified global governing body and standardized competition rules.

• The International Padel Federation (FIP) is working to consolidate global regulations and coordinate with national federations.

3) Strong Media Presence and Audience Engagement 

Sports with high viewership, media coverage, and fan engagement are more attractive to the Olympic committee.

• Thanks to events like the Premier Padel and World Padel Tour, the sport has gained millions of followers on social media and impressive TV ratings especially in Spain, Argentina, Italy, and the UAE.

• Spectacular rallies and fast-paced action make padel highly TV and streaming-friendly.

Could Padel Debut in LA 2028 or Brisbane 2032?

With its exponential growth, structured competitions, and increasing international visibility, padel is checking many of the boxes required by the IOC.

Some experts and insiders believe that padel could realistically be considered for inclusion in:

• Los Angeles 2028 : Thanks to padel’s rising popularity in the U.S. and increasing federation activity.

• Brisbane 2032 : A strong candidate as the sport gains traction in the Asia-Pacific region.

While no official decision has been made, the trend is clear: Padel is no longer a niche sport. Its inclusion in future Olympic Games seems not only possible — but likely.

Why Olympic Recognition Would Be a Game-Changer for Padel?

• Increased funding for national federations

• Broader media coverage and sponsorships

• A new wave of players and fans worldwide

• Greater legitimacy on the global sports stage

  
  

Becoming an Olympic sport could take padel to a whole new level, helping it grow from a beloved community sport into a truly global phenomenon.

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