The International Padel Federation (FIP), the governing body of the sport of Padel, has revealed a significant fresh chapter to the history of the sport, which will see a new padel tour begin as soon as possible. The tour’s global scope will be regulated entirely by FIP and fully supported by world-class players and benefit from collaboration with Qatar Sports Investments (QSI). This will be the first official tour for the sport of Padel.
The groundbreaking new padel tour will be based upon a new calendar that includes international and national tournaments, including four top categories (often known as central) games – held in unique venues worldwide. A minimum of 10 matches are planned in 2022 and 2023, beginning with the first major event in March and then increasing to more than 25 tournaments a year until 2024. Dates, locations, prize cash, sponsorship sponsors, broadcasters, and many other details will be announced in the coming days.
It is essential to notice that the visit is the exclusive official tour under the oversight and supervision of FIP and has the benefits of FIP’s official ranking system. Furthermore, time is also under the broader umbrella of the international sports community and organizations.
This new chapter in Padel, under the direction of FIP, will see the globalization and professionalization of the sport, which is fully supported by the top players in the world and represented through the Professional Players Association (PPA), as well as a brand new international strategic alliance with QSI. QSI represents the investor company behind several world-class companies and brands in sports and will offer unrivaled knowledge and expertise in developing brands and marks globally.
To facilitate the change in Padel, a brand new company has been launched which is focused on essential areas like the international management of the tour, a new way of doing business (overhauling digital, media, and sponsorship rights revenue), and a new, dynamic global branding for the sport as well as its events as well as improved player welfare, the infrastructure for sports and prize money and, in general, transforming the long-term success of the sport and the visibility of the game.
From a governance point of view, the players’ representatives will be on different committees within the new venture commercialized, directly influencing how they will play the sport.
Padel is among the most rapidly growing sports globally, with more than 25 million people playing worldwide (a figure that has increased by a third in the last five years). Participation is equally divided between women and men across all age groups and backgrounds. In many countries, Padel surpasses football in terms of its popularity. Since the past few times, FIP has been progressing ambitious plans to allow the sport to be a part of the Olympic Activities as soon as Los Angeles 2028.
Luigi Carraro, Leader of the International Padel Federation (FIP) Luigi Carraro, Leader of the International Padel Federation (FIP), claimed: “Nowadays is an old-time for the game of Padel that for the first time in history will be fully professionalized and regulated globally. Our sport will finally have the power to determine its future. And under FIP’s leadership, we will grow the sport across every part of the globe at all levels, including amateur, beginner professional, and youth panel. It’s also an important day for our players and the national federations that will be at the forefront of the sport’s growth in the first instance. We could not be more blessed than we have a knowledgeable and innovative strategically-minded partner, QSI, which will lead this sport to new standards of excellence and achievement in both the off and on the playing field. It’s impossible to imagine any better time to be playing the sport of Padel.”
Nasser Al-Khelaifi, president of Qatar Sports Investments, said: “The world has only glimpsed the tip of the iceberg in terms of the potential that Padel can do on the world stage. Padel players are among the most gifted inspirational. Generous athletes in the world of sports – it’s the right time for this sport and its amazing athletes to be highlighted to all fans in the world and for the game to realize its potential in terms of sport and commercials under the guidance and direction of the International Padel Federation. QSI is thrilled to be a part of developing the long-term future for the game of Padel and developing something special for fans in conjunction together with International Padel Federation and the players.”
Alejandro Galan, President of the Professional Players Association (PPA), stated, “It is not exaggerated to state that the latest venture will transform our sport. Our beloved game will rise to new heights, with players taking an active part in shaping the future of the sport, and the sport is monitored and managed by the international governing body FIP. Additionally, with the help of QSI, the sport and our players will receive the funding, support knowledge, and experience to bring the game to the world stage, the place it belongs.”
