Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, with new courts appearing across the UK and thousands of new players joining every week. It’s dynamic, accessible, and built for all ages and levels so it’s no surprise people are asking: is padel an Olympic sport? The short answer is: not yet. But it’s moving in that direction, and there’s real momentum behind the push to include it in future Games.
Padel is officially recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) a major first step toward becoming part of the Olympic programme. It’s already been featured in several international, multi-sport events. These appearances help raise padel’s profile, proving its appeal both as a competitive sport and an engaging spectator experience. However, as of now, padel is not included in any Olympic Games, and there’s been no confirmation of its inclusion for Paris 2028.
Many believe the most likely debut for padel at the Olympics could be Brisbane 2032. The sport meets several key criteria the IOC looks for when evaluating new additions:
- Global participation and rapid international growth
- Gender equality padel is played equally by men and women, with men’s, women’s and mixed doubles formats
- Accessibility it’s easier to learn and less physically intense than many traditional racquet sports
- Federation structure led by the International Padel Federation (FIP), which manages global competition
The FIP has made Olympic inclusion a major part of its mission. With support from padel-strong nations like Spain, Argentina, Italy, and now the UK, the case for Olympic recognition continues to build.
Padel is now played in over 100 countries, with national federations, leagues, and clubs expanding rapidly. Professional circuits like the Premier Padel Tour and World Padel Tour are reaching new audiences around the globe.
Key growth regions include:
- Europe particularly Spain, Italy, Sweden, and France
- UK with more clubs, events, and LTA involvement than ever before
- Middle East & Latin America
- Asia and Australia where interest is rising quickly and could influence future Olympic discussions
As player numbers rise and federations expand, so too does the sport’s visibility -one of the most important factors for IOC consideration.
If padel were to become an Olympic sport, it could lead to:
- Increased visibility on the global stage
- Greater funding and investment in clubs and national federations
- More development pathways for junior players and aspiring professionals
- Official recognition of padel as an elite sport worthy of international attention
It would also be a proud moment for players and fans and a powerful symbol of how far the sport has come in just a few decades.
So is padel an Olympic sport? Not yet. But with IOC recognition, rising global popularity, and a strong professional foundation, its inclusion in the Olympics feels like a matter of when not if. With eyes on Brisbane 2032, the sport is positioning itself for its biggest moment yet.
At Padel Shift, we believe everyone should have access to this brilliant sport whether you’re chasing rankings or just playing for fun.
