Padel news: Lionel Messi and Stormzy among stars who have invested in fast-growing sport
Padel has exploded in popularity in the past few years, with celebrities, sport stars and influencers taking part in one form or another.
The padel boom has expanded even more recently, and according to The Playtomic Global Padel Report, 3,282 new clubs opened worldwide in 2024 alone, and over 81,000 padel courts are expected to be built by 2027.
According to the report, padel boasts an impressive 92 percent return rate just after one session, driven by its accessibility, social nature and addictive gameplay.
With about 30 million players in 130 countries and an estimated market value of $870 million by 2033, the racket sport is showing impressive economic potential for investors.
It’s no wonder, then, why so many celebrities and sports stars have shown increasing interest in the sport, with many going on to invest and play.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Shameeka Voyiya highlights four notable figures who have caught the padel bug
Eva Longoria
The actress and entrepreneur is a prominent figure in padel both as a player and investor - she owns a team in the Hexagon Cup called ElevenEleven Team USA.
She told CNN that she is “addicted” to the sport and “watches it all the time on TV, all the time on my Instagram”.
“I was exposed to padel about 10 years ago through my husband and I became a fan,” Longoria said, adding that the sport has a large fan base in Mexico, where it was first invented and where she lives.
Lionel Messi
The Argentine soccer legend has been a padel fan for some time, with numerous sources stating that he had a court built at his house in Barcelona.
The soccer star also co-founded Krü Padel by Taktika, owned by Krü Esports, the esports club created by Sergio ‘Kun’ Agüero and Leo Messi.
The team participated in the Hexagon Cup earlier this year at the Madrid Arena.
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Andy Murray
Former world number one tennis player Andy Murray has become a leading advocate for padel’s global growth, according to The Padel State, and has launched Game4Padel along with his brother Jamie.
The court operator has become the leading provider of padel courts and is making major investments in other markets, including Australia.
Stormzy
UK award-winning rapper Stormzy became an ambassador for and investor in London-based chain Padel Social Club in 2024.
“Padel isn’t just another sport – it’s got something that draws everyone in, whether you’re new to the game or already hooked, as I am,” he said in a media release.
Stormzy’s involvement in the sport is seen as a significant boost for padel in the UK by the community.
Kristian Hunter, CEO of Padel Social Club, said: “Having Stormzy invest in Padel Social Club is a significant moment for us.
“While he’s renowned for his music, he’s also made his mark in both sport and business, and his passion for community perfectly aligns with what we stand for.”
