Innovation Arena

The global expansion of padel is driving unprecedented demand for new clubs and high-quality venues. But building successful padel networks requires capital, strategy, and scalable operating models. In this panel, leading investors and operators will discuss how capital is shaping the next generation of padel clubs worldwide. From club rollouts and real estate strategies to partnership models and international expansion, the conversation will explore how investors evaluate opportunities in this fast-growing sector and what it takes to build sustainable padel communities.

Tourism has become one of the strongest gateways for padel’s international growth. As hotels, resorts and destinations embrace the sport as a strategic asset, new opportunities arise to attract visitors, enhance loyalty and create experiences that extend far beyond the court. This session explores how hospitality brands can accelerate the sport’s expansion while delivering meaningful local impact and shared value.

Short session led by the IAPPF with key insights into one of the padel markets with the highest growth potential.

Few people can speak about padel like Ignacio Soto Borja. As co-founder of the sport, his perspective connects its origins with its global future.
In this interview, he will reflect on the creation of padel and its evolution into a global phenomenon. From the values that shaped the game to the challenges of its international expansion, this conversation offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from one of the figures who defined it.

Expanding into new territories can be both exciting and complex. In this 20-minute keynote, an expert speaker will outline the five key things any company should understand before entering the Netherlands’ padel market. Covering market trends, opportunities, and critical considerations, this session offers practical insights to help shape a successful expansion strategy.

A short talk by The Padel Directory sharing key insights and interesting developments from the UK market.

As padel continues its global growth, a new wave of startups is emerging across areas such as sportstech, performance analytics, fan engagement, digital platforms, and venue operations. Venture capital is playing an important role in supporting these innovations and helping scale solutions across the rapidly expanding padel ecosystem. In this panel, leading venture investors will share their perspectives on where the most promising opportunities lie, what they look for when evaluating early-stage companies, and how technology-driven startups can capture value in the next phase of padel’s development.