RALLY ACADEMY | PADEL IN THE UK
Padel is taking over courts around the world. But could it soon take centre stage at the Olympic Games?
What began as a relatively niche racket sport has developed into an international phenomenon, attracting millions of players, growing television audiences and increasing professional investment.
And now, the conversation is getting bigger.
The International Padel Federation (FIP) is actively campaigning for padel to become part of the Olympic Games, with Brisbane 2032 emerging as a major focus.
But how close is the sport to Olympic recognition? What needs to happen before players can compete for gold medals? And what could it mean for padel in the UK?
Here's everything you need to know about padel's Olympic ambitions in 2026.
1. Is Padel Currently an Olympic Sport?
No. As of October 2026, padel is not included in the Summer Olympic Games programme.
Although the sport has grown internationally and become increasingly established within major sporting organisations, it has not yet been selected as an Olympic medal event.
That means there are currently no Olympic padel champions or Olympic medals awarded specifically for padel.
However, the sport's international governing body is working towards changing that.
The International Padel Federation has made Olympic inclusion a key part of its long-term ambitions, highlighting the sport's growing participation, international competitions and appeal to younger audiences.
The aim is to demonstrate that padel has developed the global reach and organisational structure required to compete on the world's biggest sporting stage.
2. Will Padel Be at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics?
No. Padel is not part of the approved sports programme for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) approved five additional sports for LA28:
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Cricket
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Squash
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Flag football
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Lacrosse
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Baseball/softball
For racket-sport fans, the inclusion of squash is particularly interesting.
Like padel, squash has spent years building its international presence and seeking Olympic recognition.
Its inclusion demonstrates that the Olympic programme can evolve to accommodate additional sports.
However, it doesn't guarantee padel will follow the same path.
For now, attention is increasingly focused on what could happen in 2032.
3. Could Padel Be Included in Brisbane 2032?
Brisbane 2032 represents a potential opportunity for padel to make its Olympic debut.
Australia will host the Summer Olympic Games from 23 July to 8 August 2032.
The FIP has publicly expressed its ambition for padel to be considered for inclusion.
However, no decision confirming padel's participation has been announced.
The IOC has introduced a revised process for determining future Olympic programmes, with greater flexibility for considering additional disciplines.
Under the framework approved in 2026, Olympic organising committees can propose additional disciplines for consideration.
For Brisbane, the full sports programme is expected to be finalised in 2027.
That decision-making process will be crucial for padel's Olympic ambitions.
Why Brisbane Matters
Brisbane offers padel an opportunity to demonstrate that it can contribute to a modern Olympic Games.
Padel matches are fast-paced, relatively straightforward for spectators to follow and well suited to a doubles competition format.
The sport also has established men's and women's professional competitions.
These characteristics could make it appealing within the Olympic environment.
But inclusion ultimately depends on IOC evaluation and formal decisions, not simply popularity.
4. What Is the International Padel Federation Doing?
The International Padel Federation is the organisation leading padel's international development and Olympic ambitions.
Its work includes overseeing global competition structures, supporting national federations and promoting the sport in new markets.
The FIP has also engaged with Olympic officials and international sporting organisations to present padel's case.
In October 2026, FIP and Premier Padel officially recognised 20 October as World Padel Day, using the occasion to renew the call for potential Olympic inclusion at Brisbane 2032.
The announcement highlighted international participation, gender representation and the sport's expanding competition structure.
Why International Recognition Matters
Olympic inclusion requires more than a large player base.
The sport needs appropriate governance, established rules, international competition and compliance with relevant sporting requirements.
It must also fit within the Olympic programme's operational, financial and organisational constraints.
By developing national federations, junior competitions and professional tournaments, FIP aims to strengthen padel's case for future Olympic consideration.
5. How Popular Is Padel Around the World?
Padel's international growth is one of its strongest arguments for greater recognition.
According to the FIP World Padel Report 2026, the sport has achieved several significant milestones.
| Global indicator | 2026 FIP figures |
|---|---|
| Estimated active players | More than 40 million |
| Countries and territories where padel is played | 191 |
| Padel courts worldwide | More than 91,200 |
| FIP-affiliated national federations | 100 |
| Female share of participants | Approximately 47% |
These figures demonstrate how far the sport has expanded beyond its traditional strongholds in Spain and Argentina.
Padel now has an international presence across Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa and Oceania.
Its growing infrastructure also means more opportunities for coaching, grassroots development and professional competition.
However, the geographical distribution of participation still matters.
Having players in many countries is not the same as having equally established competition structures throughout the world.
Continued international development will remain important to padel's Olympic ambitions.
6. What Makes Padel Attractive to the Olympics?
There are several reasons why padel could be an interesting addition to a future Olympic programme.
Fast-Paced, Spectator-Friendly Matches
Padel combines quick volleys, tactical rallies, spectacular recoveries and the unusual challenge of playing rebounds off the glass.
These characteristics can create entertaining matches for spectators, including those who have never played the sport.
International Participation
With millions of players worldwide, padel has an increasingly large audience.
The sport's growth across new countries could also help expand its international following.
Men's and Women's Competitions
Padel already has established professional competition structures for both men and women.
The FIP's 2026 participation figures also suggest relatively balanced overall involvement, with women representing approximately 47% of players.
A Strong Social Identity
Padel is predominantly played in doubles, creating a distinctive sense of teamwork and community.
Its social appeal has helped introduce new players to racket sports and encouraged regular participation.
Established Competitive Pathways
International professional tournaments, national competitions and junior development programmes are all part of padel's sporting structure.
These pathways provide opportunities for players to progress from recreational participation towards elite competition.
7. What Challenges Could Prevent Olympic Inclusion?
Despite its growth, becoming an Olympic sport is not guaranteed.
Padel faces several important considerations.
Global Competitive Development
The IOC evaluates the international reach and competitive development of sports seeking inclusion.
Padel has established strong participation in Europe and Latin America, but the depth of elite competition varies across regions.
Expanding high-level competition in additional countries will strengthen the sport's international foundations.
Olympic Programme Limitations
The Olympic Games operate within constraints involving athlete numbers, venues, costs and event scheduling.
Adding new sports or disciplines requires careful consideration of these factors.
Competition From Other Sports
Padel isn't the only sport interested in Olympic inclusion.
Different international federations are also seeking recognition or expanded participation.
Each candidate must demonstrate why its inclusion would benefit the Olympic programme.
Formal Approval
Perhaps most importantly, growing popularity doesn't automatically result in Olympic status.
Padel needs to successfully navigate the relevant IOC processes.
Until a formal decision is announced, Brisbane 2032 remains an ambition rather than a confirmed Olympic opportunity.
8. Padel Is Already Appearing at International Multi-Sport Events
Although padel hasn't yet reached the Summer Olympics, it has already appeared at other major international sporting events.
A particularly important milestone came in 2023, when padel made its debut at the European Games in Kraków, Poland.
The sport has also featured in other regional multi-sport competitions.
These appearances matter because they demonstrate how padel can operate within larger sporting events involving multiple disciplines, national teams and international organisers.
They also provide additional opportunities for athletes to represent their countries.
However, participation in regional games does not automatically qualify padel for the Olympics.
It's another stage in the sport's wider international development.
9. How Fast Is Padel Growing in the UK?
The Olympic conversation becomes particularly interesting when you look at what's happening in Britain.
Padel has experienced exceptional growth in recent years.
According to the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), participation increased from approximately 15,000 players in 2019 to 400,000 by the end of 2024.
By the end of 2025, that figure had reached approximately 860,000.
And during 2026, participation passed an important milestone.
More than one million adults and juniors have now played padel in Britain, according to the LTA.
The organisation also reported approximately 1,825 courts across 551 venues in its 2026 figures.
That's a remarkable expansion for a sport that many British players were barely familiar with a few years ago.
Why Is Padel Becoming So Popular?
Several factors have contributed to its growth.
Accessible gameplay
Beginners can often enjoy rallies relatively quickly, making padel appealing to people with different levels of racket-sport experience.
A social playing format
Doubles encourages teamwork, communication and playing with friends.
Growing facilities
More courts and venues make it easier for people to discover the sport.
Strong crossover from tennis
Many tennis players are discovering padel as an additional way to enjoy racket sports.
Community and organised play
Social sessions, coaching programmes and local competitions give players reasons to return.
The sport is becoming increasingly established rather than remaining a short-lived trend.
10. What Could Olympic Inclusion Mean for UK Padel?
If padel eventually becomes an Olympic sport, the effects could extend beyond professional competition.
Greater National Exposure
Olympic coverage could introduce padel to people who have never visited a court.
That increased visibility might encourage more recreational participation.
More Opportunities for Young Players
Greater recognition could support interest in junior coaching, youth programmes and competitive development.
Stronger Elite Pathways
Olympic status could encourage further investment in high-performance coaching and international competition structures.
However, the scale and availability of any additional funding would depend on decisions made by governing bodies and funding organisations.
Increased Interest in Facilities
Greater awareness may contribute to demand for new padel courts.
But Olympic status wouldn't automatically result in more courts being built.
Facility development still depends on planning permission, investment, suitable locations and local demand.
More Opportunities for British Athletes
If padel joins the Olympics, talented British players could eventually have a new international ambition to pursue.
Representing Great Britain on the Olympic stage would be a significant milestone for the sport.
For now, these remain potential opportunities rather than guaranteed outcomes.
11. Could Team GB Compete in Olympic Padel?
Potentially, if padel is included in a future Olympic programme and British players qualify under the eventual competition rules.
Great Britain already has national padel competition pathways, with the LTA responsible for developing and supporting the sport.
If padel were admitted to the Olympics, qualification procedures would need to be established.
These might involve international rankings, continental qualification events or other criteria, depending on the approved competition format.
However, no Olympic padel qualification system has been confirmed.
Until the sport is officially included, it's impossible to say exactly how Team GB would qualify or how many players might participate.
12. When Will We Know Whether Padel Is Going to the Olympics?
The next major decisions surrounding Brisbane 2032's sports programme are expected in 2027.
This follows changes to the IOC's process for determining future Olympic programmes.
For padel supporters, the important thing to watch is whether the sport receives formal consideration and, ultimately, confirmation within an approved Games programme.
Further announcements from the IOC, the Brisbane 2032 organisers and the International Padel Federation will help clarify the position.
It's worth remembering that an unsuccessful bid for 2032 wouldn't necessarily end padel's Olympic ambitions.
The sport could continue pursuing inclusion at future Games.
13. Frequently Asked Questions
Is Padel an Olympic Sport in 2026?
No. Padel is not currently included in the Summer Olympic Games programme.
The International Padel Federation is campaigning for future inclusion.
Will Padel Be at the 2028 Olympics?
No. Padel isn't part of the approved Los Angeles 2028 sports programme.
Squash is among the additional sports included for that edition.
Will Padel Be at Brisbane 2032?
It's possible, but not confirmed.
The FIP has publicly identified Brisbane 2032 as an important Olympic ambition.
A formal decision would be required before padel could be considered part of the Games.
When Will the Brisbane 2032 Sports Programme Be Confirmed?
The IOC expects the full sports programme to be finalised in 2027.
Any additional sports or disciplines must go through the relevant approval process.
How Many People Play Padel Worldwide?
The FIP World Padel Report 2026 estimates more than 40 million active players worldwide.
How Many People Play Padel in the UK?
According to the LTA's 2026 figures, padel participation in Britain has passed one million adults and juniors.
Could Great Britain Win an Olympic Padel Medal?
If padel becomes an Olympic sport and British players qualify, they could have the opportunity to compete for medals.
However, there are currently no confirmed Olympic padel events or qualification procedures.
Final Thoughts: Padel's Olympic Future Is Still Being Written
Padel has already achieved something remarkable.
In a relatively short period, it's developed from a sport associated with a handful of established markets into an increasingly global community.
Millions of players, thousands of courts and growing international competitions have helped bring it closer to the Olympic conversation.
But the most important milestone is still ahead.
Brisbane 2032 remains a possibility, not a certainty.
And whether padel makes its Olympic debut in 2032 or further into the future, the sport's momentum is already transforming how people play, compete and connect.
At RALLY, we believe that's what makes padel exciting.
Not just the professional tournaments, the international recognition or the possibility of Olympic medals.
It's the people discovering the sport for the first time, the friendships built on court and the communities growing around it.
The next generation of padel is already here. And we're all part of it.
