Padel, Is It just A FOMO in Global Sports Industry?
Up-to-date trends are prevalent in the global sports industry, but padel stands out as particularly noteworthy. Compared to other sports, padel is one of the fastest-growing. It’s not just an alternative to squash or tennis, but a lifestyle and economic phenomenon. By 2026, padel will become a sport icon in Indonesia, both for sports enthusiasts and top celebrities. According to CNBC Indonesia, its growth is striking, as evidenced by its 51% market share in Southeast Asia.
The ease of play is the reason this sport has such a unique appeal. Accessibility is arguably a major factor in the popularity of padel. You don’t need to learn numerous techniques like you do for tennis. Even people who have never played sports before can still enjoy playing padel without needing to learn complex techniques like swings. In addition, this sport also has a low impact, which is very suitable for ages 30-65 years because of the minimal risk of joint injury (Southgate, 2025).
Furthermore, the venue also significantly facilitates gameplay, with its glass walls designed to bounce the ball off the court, allowing play to continue even if a direct interception is missed. This creates a more enjoyable atmosphere and allows for longer rallies. However, there are still interesting reasons to discuss why padel has exploded in the sports industry, which you can see below.
Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) in the Global Sports Industry
Source: liverpooltennis.co.uk
Speaking of its strong social aspect, padel is almost always played two-on-two. This appeal makes it an ideal social platform for people, especially urbanites. In Indonesia, padel has become a social version of tennis. While killing two birds with one stone, they can exercise intensely without missing the opportunity to interact with teammates and opponents they may have never met before. This is especially true with the support of a digital ecosystem that makes them even more accessible. Efficient online ordering and the involvement of public figures create a Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) effect on social media. It is not surprising that many developers are utilizing vacant land or less productive commercial areas to become premium padel clubs with very adequate facilities, including cafes, sauna rooms, and cold plunge areas.
In addition, the sports apparel industry is also affected by this FOMO. People not only care about comfort but also about style. They are eager to look cool because they have documentation of every paddle activity they do. Many well-known brands offer a wide selection of very stylish apparel, such as t-shirts with shorts, cropped sweatshirts with mini skirts, and sleeveless mini dresses.
Potential for A Rapid Return on Investment (ROI)
Source: aei.or.id
After the FOMO issue, the padel business in the global sports industry has another equally important aspect: investment. As we discussed previously regarding facility expansion by business developers, the padel industry offers very attractive numbers for investors. Because padel courts are more compact, measuring 20×10 meters, investors can build multiple courts on the same plot of land compared to traditional tennis courts.
This potential for a rapid return on investment (ROI) is due to the high occupancy rate of padel courts in major cities, especially after work hours and on weekends. Furthermore, maintenance costs are lower than those of typical tennis courts. This is one business idea you can pursue right now. If you’re still unsure, here’s an example of a padel business’s ROI from Ragasport.id.
Source: https://ragasport.co.id/en/padel-court-indonesia-for-passive-income-how-to-secure-long-term-business-growth/
Market Saturation Challenges
Source: www.thebalancemoney.com
Besides the various benefits, there are also challenges faced by businesses. Despite its rapid growth, this global sports industry icon is also threatened by market saturation and even bankruptcy if it fails to innovate effectively. Learning from the Swedish case, other countries, including Indonesia, must be wary of the risk of this bubble. Three key challenges facing these businesses are worth noting: purchasing power, location saturation, and community sustainability.
As we know, padel is still considered a sport for the upper middle class, with court rentals quite high. Can businesses maintain customer loyalty, or can they find new strategies that allow lower-class players to experience padel more affordably, or other alternatives? Of course, businesses must ensure that players don’t play simply for the sake of fame and instead make it a routine activity.
In conclusion, the padel industry in Indonesia will symbolize a shift towards healthy lifestyles and social recreation by 2026. It has significant potential for expansion into second-tier cities. If businesses can continue to prioritize experience beyond the field, this industry is predicted to continue growing as a new pillar of the national sports economy.