Is padel in the Olympics? Current status, growth & future (2025 guide)
Last updated: August 20, 2025
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Padel is exploding worldwide — but is padel an Olympic sport yet? The short answer is not yet. Momentum is building, and the earliest realistic opportunity for a debut would be during the Brisbane 2032 Games.
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What makes a sport Olympic?
- Global participation: men in 75 countries across 4 continents; women in 40 countries across 3 continents.
- Recognized federation & governance: a strong international body (for padel, the FIP).
- Compliance: Olympic Charter & anti‑doping rules.
- Lead time: program decisions are typically finalized about 7 years before a Games edition.
Example: Brisbane 2032 decisions cluster around 2025.
Is padel currently in the Olympics?
No. As of 2025, padel is not scheduled for Paris 2024 or Los Angeles 2028. However, padel has achieved IOC‑related recognition milestones (via ARISF), which is a crucial step toward eventual inclusion.
Why padel isn’t included yet?
- Participation thresholds: close, but not fully met across required countries/continents.
- IOC deadlines: Paris 2024 and LA 2028 cut‑offs have passed.
- Governance maturity: the global structure has strengthened recently and continues to expand.
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The role of the International Padel Federation (FIP)
The FIP is driving the “Olympic project” by standardizing competitions, growing national federations, building youth pathways, and aligning with National Olympic Committees. The focus is clear: expand participation, ensure governance quality, and meet IOC criteria.
Global growth & popularity
- Europe: Spain, Italy, and Sweden lead court builds and participation.
- Americas: Argentina’s pro base remains strong; the U.S. is accelerating with new clubs and events.
- Middle East: The UAE and Saudi Arabia are investing in world‑class facilities and tournaments.
- UK: expanding rapidly with club networks.
For technique tips and news, browse the VEA padel blog.
The road to Brisbane (2032)
The earliest realistic Olympic debut for padel is Brisbane 2032, contingent on meeting participation and governance benchmarks in time for the IOC’s decision window around 2025. Given current momentum, optimism remains high.
Other sports recently added
| Sport | Olympic debut | Reason for inclusion |
|---|---|---|
| Skateboarding | Tokyo 2020 | Youth appeal & urban culture |
| Surfing | Tokyo 2020 | Global lifestyle & broad base |
| Breakdancing | Paris 2024 | Urban culture & youth engagement |
| Padel | Potential Brisbane 2032 | Fastest‑growing racket sport, rising global reach |
Common myths
- “Padel is just tennis with walls.” False—unique rules, tactics, and equipment.
- “The IOC rejected padel.” False—not rejected; not yet included.
- “Only Europe and Latin America play padel.” The U.S., UK, Asia, and the Middle East are experiencing an acceleration in growth.
FAQs
Is padel in the Olympics right now?
No. It’s not part of Paris 2024 or LA 2028. The earliest realistic debut is Brisbane 2032.
Who governs padel internationally?
The International Padel Federation (FIP) coordinates the sport globally and leads the Olympic pathway.
Which countries play padel the most?
Spain, Argentina, Italy, Sweden, the UAE, and rapidly expanding communities in the U.S. and UK.
How is padel different from tennis?
Padel is played on a smaller enclosed court (mostly doubles) with solid rackets and lower‑bounce balls, producing longer rallies and distinct strategies.
