Padel, the fast-paced racket sport that blends elements of tennis and squash, is booming across Mexico. Once considered a niche pastime for the affluent, the game has evolved into a national sensation, played by thousands of enthusiasts in cities large and small. With its unique blend of competitiveness, accessibility, and social appeal, padel is now rapidly cementing its place in Mexico’s sporting culture. Padel in Mexico is growing more and more.
From urban rooftop courts in Mexico City to high-end clubs in Monterrey and Guadalajara, padel is more than just a trend — it’s a movement. Backed by a wave of investment, growing media coverage, and a young, passionate player base, the sport is reshaping the country’s recreational landscape.
A Sport on the Rise
Padel in Mexico is becoming more popular. Mexico is already one of the top five padel-playing nations in the world, following in the footsteps of Spain and Argentina — the sport’s two traditional powerhouses. The game’s popularity in Mexico has steadily grown over the past decade, but the post-pandemic years have witnessed a sharp acceleration.
According to local federations and sports analysts, Mexico now has over 1,500 padel courts nationwide, with dozens more under construction. In 2023 alone, approximately 250 new courts were added to meet rising demand.
The Mexican Padel Federation (FEMEPA) has reported an annual growth rate of more than 20% in player participation, with the number of registered players now estimated at over 100,000. Unofficially, the real number of casual or unregistered players is likely several times higher.
Why Mexico Loves Padel
Padel appeals to Mexicans for several reasons. Firstly, it is a social sport. Unlike traditional tennis, padel is almost always played in doubles, making it a highly interactive and communal activity. This aligns with Mexico’s strong social and family culture, where sport and leisure often revolve around group participation. Padel has grown in Mexico more than it has in USA
Secondly, the game is easy to pick up. With its enclosed court, smaller playing area, and emphasis on reflexes over brute power, padel is accessible to a wider age range and fitness level. This has helped it attract both seasoned athletes and complete beginners.
Moreover, padel benefits from being a trendy sport. It enjoys strong appeal among millennials and professionals, who are increasingly seeking fitness activities that combine fun, competition, and lifestyle. The fact that padel courts are often part of upscale gyms, social clubs, or boutique rooftop venues only adds to its image as a fashionable, aspirational sport.
Growth in Infrastructure
Padel in Mexico has had a surge in interest this has triggered an infrastructure boom. Across major urban centres like Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Puebla, and Querétaro, new clubs are opening at record speed.
Some of these facilities are full-fledged padel centres with 8–10 courts, on-site coaching, retail stores, restaurants, and even co-working spaces. Others are smaller urban spots squeezed onto rooftops, terraces, or residential complexes. Regardless of size, demand is high — many clubs report waiting lists or fully booked peak hours.
In addition to private clubs, public parks and universities are also beginning to incorporate padel courts into their sports offerings, further democratising access this has helped cause some growth for padel in Mexico.
International Influence and Professionalisation
Padel in Mexico’s has a community and is also becoming more professional and internationally integrated. The country regularly hosts tournaments on the APT Padel Tour and now also welcomes stages of the Premier Padel and World Padel Tour (WPT) circuits — two of the sport’s leading professional leagues.
Top Mexican players such as Santiago Rollán and Julio César Acevedo are starting to gain recognition internationally, while domestic tournaments are growing in both scale and prize money.
Padel in Mexico has corporate sponsorship is also on the rise. Brands such as Adidas, Babolat, and Nox are expanding their presence in the Mexican padel market, while tech startups are developing apps and booking platforms to support the playing ecosystem.
Celebrity Backing and Cultural Momentum
The visibility of padel in Mexico has been bolstered by the support of local celebrities, footballers, and influencers. Prominent figures from Liga MX and the entertainment industry are frequently seen on padel courts, either casually playing or investing in clubs.
This visibility has helped push the sport into the public consciousness, especially among younger audiences. Social media has played a key role in this, with viral content showcasing rallies, trick shots, and stylish club settings.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
Despite its momentum, padel in Mexico still faces some challenges. Access to courts can be limited in more rural or lower-income areas, and the sport’s association with exclusivity may hinder broader grassroots participation.
However, efforts are underway to change that. FEMEPA is pushing to expand padel into schools and public facilities, and several new initiatives aim to provide low-cost coaching and equipment for underrepresented communities.
There are also environmental considerations, as the popularity of padel courts in residential areas raises concerns over noise and energy use. Sustainable design and soundproof court materials are becoming a point of focus for future developments.
A Promising Future
Looking ahead, the growth of padel in Mexico shows no signs of slowing. With increasing investment, professionalisation, and widespread grassroots enthusiasm, the country is poised to become one of the global leaders in the sport.
Whether played in elite clubs or casual neighbourhood venues, padel offers Mexicans a dynamic, sociable, and fast-growing way to stay active and connect with others. As courts continue to multiply and players flock to the game, padel is on track to become not just a passing fad, but a defining feature of Mexico’s sporting identity. Padel in Mexico is growing more and more and is look to potentially over take tennis.