Why Padel Continues to Grow in Italy
Over the past five years, padel has shifted from a niche phenomenon to a mainstream sport, thanks to its ease of learning, strong social component and investments in indoor facilities that make year-round play possible. Today Italy is the second country in the world in terms of number of courts, just behind Spain, with growth that continues to surprise for its intensity and spread.
Key Figures 2024–2025
- Installed courts: As of mid-2025, the threshold of 10,000 courts has been exceeded, with an indoor share of 45% (approximately 4,500 courts) and over 3,700 active clubs.
- Growth compared to 2022: An increase of about 30% in just three years, a sign of still strong but more stable expansion.
- Trend in 2024: Growth remained around 7-8%, with a strong development of covered facilities and a market consolidating phase.
- Economic impact: Padel generates about €1.5 billion of economic value, within a sports ecosystem that overall is worth over €8 billion.
- Competitive activity: In 2024, more than 1,300 official tournaments were organised, with over 60,000 participants, confirming a now-mature sports movement.
Where it is most played
The Lazio region leads the ranking for number of courts, followed by Lombardy and Sicily. Indoor facilities are more common in Northern Italy, especially in Lombardy, Lazio and Piedmont.
Who Plays Padel (and How Much)
It is estimated that in Italy there are between 800,000 and 1.2 million regular players, with a strong presence in the 25-54 age group, which represents about two-thirds of the total. If occasional amateur players are also counted, the total number of players exceeds 1.5 million people. Padel attracts men and women across the board, with a steady increase in female participation.
Padel and the Economic Chain
The success of padel concerns not only the sporting activity, but also the entire economic chain revolving around courts: equipment rental, training, tournaments, events, retail, catering and communication services. Investments in the sector continue to grow, creating new employment opportunities and pushing the professionalisation of the sports segment.
Structural Trends to Watch
- Indoor-first: The growing spread of covered courts has made padel a sport playable in every season, improving the economic sustainability of clubs.
- Offering consolidation: After the boom of 2021–2023, the market is entering a more orderly growth phase, with new openings more selective and greater attention to service quality.
- Format polarisation: Two main models are emerging — neighbourhood clubs with a few courts and premium multisport centres with additional services and structured tournaments.
- Competitive rise: The increase in tournaments and official competitions favours the transition of many players from amateur to competitive activity.
Forecasts 2026–2028: What to Expect
Realistic Scenario
- Courts: An average growth of 3-5% per year is expected, driven especially by indoor facilities and the renewal of existing structures. By 2028 Italy could surpass 11,000 active courts.
- Clubs: A slight increase in total number will be seen, with a trend toward merger or requalification of under-performing structures.
- Revenues: Clubs will diversify income sources, focusing on coaching, tournaments, corporate leagues and pro-shops.
- Demand: The base of players will remain stable around one million participants, with progressive expansion of female and 45+ age segments.
Risks and Variables
- Possible saturation in some urban areas in the Centre-North.
- Rising energy costs could affect the profitability of indoor centres.
- Evolution of the professional scene and media rights, a factor that may accelerate or slow down movement growth.
Operational Tips for Clubs and Investors
- Data-driven management: Introduce dynamic pricing and flexible time-slots to optimise court usage.
- Broaden the offering: Create corporate leagues, youth schools and innovative formats to expand the user base.
- Energy efficiency: Invest in insulated structures and LED lighting to contain costs.
- Local marketing: Leverage local SEO, online reviews and partnerships with local companies to increase visibility.
Conclusion
Padel in Italy has moved beyond the “boom” phase and entered a dynamic maturity stage. With over 10,000 courts, a high share of indoor facilities and an economic impact of about €1.5 billion, it now represents one of the country’s most vibrant sports sectors. The outlook for the coming years points to sustained but selective growth, oriented towards service quality, sustainability and player loyalty.
Main Sources
- FITP & BCG, Tennis & Padel Report 2024 – economic impact and competitive activity.
- FIP Research & Data Analysis Department – 10,017 courts, 45% indoor, 3,716 clubs (Italy Major 2025 updates) reported by ANSA, Padelbiz, SportMediaset and Mr Padel Paddle.
- Mr Padel Paddle Observatory – 2024 trends, consolidation and regional distribution.
- Sport e Salute / Istituto per il Credito Sportivo – Overall framework of the Italian sports system (Sports Report 2024).