The sport taking South Africa by storm

Several years ago, the game of padel was virtually non-existent in South Africa. Fast-forward to 2025, and courts are popping up across the length and breadth of the country.

Padel originated in 1969 when a Mexican entrepreneur, lacking space for a full-sized tennis court at his Acapulco home, designed a smaller, enclosed court, thereby inventing a brand-new sport.

It is often described as a mix of tennis and squash, with the scoring system the same as in tennis. 

It is typically played in doubles, with the surrounding walls being part of the game, allowing players to play shots off them. 

Padel is now the fastest-growing racket sport in the world, now being played on over 70,000 courts globally, according to new figures from the International Padel Federation (FIP).

FIP figures show that in just five years, the number of countries where padel is played has tripled, jumping from over 50 to more than 150.

According to data from Playtomic, the world’s leading app for racket sport players and clubs, padel’s global expansion remains strong and sustained.

In 2024, 3,282 new clubs were opened, averaging nearly 9 per day, representing a 26% increase from the previous year.

On top of this, Playtomic notes that the number of courts has multiplied fivefold since 2016 and is expected to continue growing at a rate of 17% over the coming years, with new markets emerging.

South Africa’s Padel growth

According to Playtomic’s 2025 Global Padel Report, “South Africa is the biggest market in Africa, with no legal barriers and strong consolidation.”

There are an estimated 600 padel courts in South Africa, with 206 clubs, according to the FIP. 

Speaking to Newsday, Mike Lumb, CEO of Africa Padel explained that the sport is only a few years old in the country.

The first padel court in South Africa was opened in late 2019 at Val de Vie Estate in Paarl, and was an instant hit.

Africa Padel, one of the pioneers of padel growth in Africa, opened its first venue in Camps Bay in May 2021.

Today, it has expanded to nearly two dozen venues and 90 courts across the country, from Cape Town to Bloemfontein, uMhlanga, Sandton, and more.

“The company expanded very quickly,” said Lumb. “A few months after opening in Camps Bay, we opened our first club in Johannesburg, followed by a smaller club at Plettenberg Bay just in time for the summer holidays.”

In 2022, Africa Padel opened another 6 strategic clubs, which offered premium facilities, such as at the V&A Waterfront, Discovery Padel Park in Sandton and a nine-court facility in Claremont.

“In South Africa, we see new players joining daily, taking up lessons, participating in beginner tournaments and immersing themselves in the game,” said Lumb.

“We believe that Padel will continue expanding at both a grassroots and professional level, particularly as discussions around its potential inclusion in the Olympic Games gain momentum. This could drive more investment and development in South Africa,” he added.

Lumb said that he believes that padel’s success stems from its low barrier to entry, ease of learning, and appeal across fitness levels.

He highlighted its strong social aspect as a team sport, attracting diverse players with balanced gender participation and wide age engagement, especially millennials.

Companies and clubs like Africa Padel supports newcomers with equipment rentals and beginner-friendly events, promoting inclusivity.

Above all, the sport’s quick, engaging format also makes it popular for corporate team-building and client events, fitting well into busy professionals’ schedules.

Lumb emphasised Africa Padel’s broader vision beyond the sport itself, stating, “Our mission is to grow the game of padel in Africa and to create a fun, vibrant and inclusive environment with a connected community.”

“We believe in creating a space that’s festive and social in a safe environment. For us, it’s more than just padel, we want a great atmosphere, which includes food and beverage, great amenities and a good time for all.”

“We want to attract all ages and skills to play, to socialise and have fun,” Lumb continued. “It’s also about building communities and creating friendships through a shared passion for the game.”