SFN | Ecosystem

Navigating the Ecosystem: Trends & Market Insights

Explore comprehensive surveys and emerging trends shaping the racquet sports industry. Understand market dynamics, changing preferences, and opportunities for growth across all facility types and regions. Gain insight into how the racquet sports ecosystem is evolving in response to broader shifts in the leisure and fitness sectors. From changing user expectations to innovative facility concepts.

Data-Driven Insights into the Evolving World of Leisure

ChatGPT: A padel player dives forward dramatically to reach the ball during an intense match in front of an enthusiastic crowd at an indoor padel arena

Padel Popularity: Global Surge in First Half of 2025

In the first half of 2025, global padel popularity significantly increased, marked by an 86% rise in tournaments, expanded international reach to 38 countries, and substantial growth in participants from 91 nations. Online engagement mirrored this trend, with notable increases in website traffic and social media interactions, underscoring padel’s rapid global expansion.

Cover of the “Global Padel Report 2025” by Playtomic, featuring a stylized padel court line, a tennis ball, and a bright blue background with logos of Playtomic and Strategy&.

Padel Goes Global: Key Findings from the 2025 Playtomic Report

The 2025 Global Padel Report by Playtomic highlights a 26% surge in new clubs, over 7,000 new courts, and rapid expansion beyond traditional hotspots. Countries like the US, Indonesia, and Colombia are emerging as key markets. Digital platforms drive accessibility, while multi-racquet facilities and Olympic aspirations reshape the sport’s future. Padel is evolving into a global, tech-enabled, and commercially sustainable phenomenon.

Padel in Europe: a look at France

Padel in France is growing but lags behind Italy, Spain, and Sweden, with only 3,021 courts (54% covered) and 21.5k inhabitants per court. Southern regions like Occitanie lead, while Burgundy-Franche-Comté trails. Key barriers include high construction costs, long permit times, and lower population density (120/km² vs. Italy’s 196). Despite this, recent acceleration shows promise, especially in Île-de-France, which has high density but fewer courts.

Asia's Pickleball Revolution - Bold text highlighting the explosive growth of pickleball across Asia.

Asia: The Next Frontier for Pickleball – UPA Asia and YouGov research Released

Discover Asia's pickleball revolution! Groundbreaking UPA Asia & YouGov research reveals 1.9 billion Asians know pickleball, with 812 million trying it and 282 million playing monthly. Vietnam leads with 152% growth, followed by Malaysia (132%). Young adults (18-35) drive the trend, citing fun (35%), health (33%) and easy learning (31%) as top motivations. With 60% annual growth and India's 178M frequent players, pickleball is Asia's newest sports phenomenon.

Over 400,000 players: LTA unveils latest figures on growth of Padel in Britain

Padel is booming in Great Britain: Over 400,000 people played in 2024 – up from just 15,000 in 2019. Court numbers have reached 893 across 300 venues, backed by £6 million in LTA investment. Community outreach is strong, with over 75% of venues offering inclusive programmes.

Eurostat Insights: Rising Consumer Spending on Active Sports Participation

Eurostat data shows rising prices in active sports—squash included—highlighting strong demand and market acceptance.

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Country Reports: Local Insights, Global Context

Every market is different—but patterns of success can be recognized and adapted. Our Country Reports provide deep insights into the racquet sports landscape in specific regions, highlighting participation trends, facility types, growth barriers, and local innovations. Whether you're planning expansion or benchmarking performance, these reports offer the data and context you need to make informed decisions and unlock new opportunities.

Jack Wang and Tengfei Squash Club: A Case Study of Squash’s Rise in China

Squash is booming in China, led by Jack Wang’s Tengfei Squash Club (FSC) in Shanghai. A former national champion, Wang built FSC into a multi-branch hub with elite coaching, youth focus, and global ties. With squash joining the Olympics and national support growing, FSC is poised to shape the sport’s future in China.

England’s 10-Year Health Plan: Impact on Racquet Sports Facilities

England’s 10-Year Health Plan will inject £400 million into community sport infrastructure. The SFN analyzes how this public investment impacts racquet sports facilities, especially Squash, Padel, and Pickleball. Opportunities include visibility and school integration, while risks arise from subsidized competition. Public-private cooperation is key to sustainable growth.

Spotlight on Austria: The Story Behind the Austrian Squash Challenge

Discover the inspiring story behind the Austrian Squash Challenge, led by 19-time national champion Aqeel Rehman. From grassroots outreach to hosting a PSA tournament in a busy Salzburg mall, this initiative is redefining squash in Austria. With kids’ programs, public engagement, and long-term vision, it’s a powerful example of how passion and perseverance can revive a sport — one court and one community at a time.

Squash "will enter the Olympics" for the first time, and the Chinese team will start from scratch

China is investing in cross-discipline talent, hiring top coaches, and integrating squash into sports schools, clubs, and campuses. With long-term planning and grassroots development, the country aims to build a competitive team and boost national interest in the sport.

CEO and President of US Squash Kevin Klipstein

Innovations and Strategies for Growing US Squash

Discover how US Squash's Klipstein fosters grassroots growth, public school programs, and modular courts, fueling a thriving US squash.

The Rise and Prospects of Padel in Italy – Lessons from the Development of Squash

Padel in Italy: Boom, decline & future. Carlo Ferrara & Markus Gaebel discuss data, strategy & lessons from squash.