The Next Wave of Padel Franchising: Why 2026 Will Be the Breakout Year

Padel is entering a new era. What started as a Southern European phenomenon has now become

one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. By 2026, analysts predict that padel will exceed

100,000 courts globally and attract more than 40 million active players. For investors, this is not

just the rise of a sport; it’s the creation of a global business ecosystem. And at the center of this

movement stands Padel Zenter, the brand that has set the benchmark for premium padel

experiences.

Founded by Zlatan Ibrahimović and Thomas Sandström, Padel Zenter has built its reputation on

excellence, innovation, and scalability. With state-of-the-art facilities in Sweden and Italy, the brand

has demonstrated that padel can be elevated to a new level of professionalism and profitability.

Today, through its international franchising program, Padel Zenter is inviting investors and

entrepreneurs to become part of this next expansion wave.

The unstoppable growth of padel

Padel’s growth curve resembles the digital transformation seen in other industries — exponential,

community-driven, and global. Its appeal lies in accessibility and inclusivity: it’s easy to learn,

social, and suited to all ages and skill levels. Families, young professionals, and corporate teams

all find value in padel because it’s more than a sport; it’s an experience.

From an investment perspective, this makes padel particularly attractive. The average player tends

to play regularly, renew memberships, and invite friends to join. That translates to stable and

recurring revenue. Add to that corporate events, tournaments, academies for kids and adults, and

retail opportunities, and you have a model with multiple profitable streams.

Between 2024 and 2027, Europe alone is expected to add more than 20,000 courts. Meanwhile,

emerging markets; from Latin America to the Middle East and Asia; are investing heavily in

facilities, often supported by local governments seeking to promote active lifestyles. This global

expansion presents a rare chance for first movers to establish their brand presence early and

secure high-value locations.

Why 2026 will be a turning point

The next 12 months will mark a decisive moment in padel’s global trajectory. Institutional investors,

hospitality groups, and real estate developers are already integrating padel clubs into resorts,

hotels, and urban developments. What was once a niche sport is becoming part of mainstream

leisure infrastructure.

Padel Zenter’s turnkey franchising model is designed precisely for this context. The company

delivers everything needed to launch and operate a world-class facility:

• Architectural and technical design for both indoor and outdoor centers.

• Comprehensive marketing support, including digital strategy and SEO.

• Certified training programs for instructors and operational staff.

• Centralized management tools for booking, analytics, and customer engagement.

• Immediate brand recognition, strengthened by Zlatan Ibrahimović’s global reputation.

This integrated framework ensures that every Padel Zenter franchise maintains the same

standards of quality and profitability that define its flagship locations.

A winning business for the future

Beyond short-term returns, padel offers long-term sustainability. It aligns with trends in wellness,

social connectivity, and corporate wellbeing. For businesses, hosting events and team-building

activities around padel has become a new form of modern corporate culture: dynamic, inclusive,

and performance-driven.

A Padel Zenter franchise represents more than a sports club. It’s a destination; a social and

professional hub where people connect through sport, lifestyle, and brand experience. Investors

gain not only access to a thriving market but also a partnership with a brand whose identity stands

for ambition, precision, and innovation.

Conclusion

The next wave of padel franchising has already begun. With a proven concept, strong brand

authority, and a roadmap for global growth, Padel Zenter is leading the way for those ready to

invest in excellence. For visionary entrepreneurs, 2026 will not just be a breakout year — it will be

the beginning of a global transformation. https://www.padelzenter.se/franchise-landing