While Sanyo Gutiérrez and Gonza Alfonso opened their new partnership with a commanding victory at the FIP Platinum Marseille, the real story this week is how padel's global expansion is accelerating at breakneck speed. The CUPRA FIP Tour just announced its most ambitious calendar yet—over 200 tournaments across 17 new countries—while broadcast deals with beIN Sports are bringing matches to 39 territories. From Cambodia to Ghana, padel courts are sprouting up faster than most of us can keep track of the new tournament locations.

Big Developments

🌍 CUPRA FIP Tour Explodes into 17 New Countries for 2026

The International Padel Federation just unveiled its most ambitious expansion yet, with the CUPRA FIP Tour adding 17 new host countries for 2026—from Cambodia and Vietnam to Ghana and Nigeria. The tour will feature over 200 tournaments across 78 nations, nearly doubling the number of FIP Platinum events and tripling Gold tournaments.

Why it matters: This isn't just growth for growth's sake. With over 5,000 athletes competing in 2025 (a 78% increase from 2024), the expanded calendar creates more ranking opportunities and prize money distribution across emerging markets. The strategic focus on Asia (26% of host countries) and Africa (13%) suggests FIP is targeting regions where padel infrastructure investment is accelerating fastest. Read more at Padel FIP

📺 beIN Sports Secures Premier Padel Broadcast Rights Across 39 Territories

beIN Media Group locked up broadcast rights for the 2026 Premier Padel Tour and FIP World Cup, expanding coverage across 39 territories including the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Europe and Asia.

Why it matters: This deal puts padel matches in front of millions of new viewers who previously had limited access to professional tournaments. For sponsors and equipment brands, this represents a massive audience expansion opportunity, while players gain increased visibility that could translate to endorsement deals and appearance fees. The timing coincides perfectly with the sport's infrastructure boom, creating a virtuous cycle of viewership and investment. Read more at Advanced Television

Teemo's Thoughts: The padel world is moving so fast right now it's making my head spin. Seventeen new countries in one year? That's not organic growth—that's a coordinated global takeover. While I'm excited about the opportunities for players, I can't help but wonder if we're spreading too thin too fast. Quality control becomes a real concern when you're doubling tournament categories and expanding into markets where padel infrastructure might still be developing.

Insights

Left-Handed Players Are Becoming a Strategic Problem

As more left-handed players climb the professional rankings, opponents are scrambling to develop specific tactical approaches. Key strategies include targeting the lefty's backhand side with deep shots, using cross-court angles to exploit their positioning, and forcing them into uncomfortable net positions on their weaker side.

Why it matters: The rise of successful left-handed players like certain tour regulars is forcing coaching methodologies to evolve. Teams that master anti-lefty tactics early will have a significant competitive advantage, while traditional training programs that don't address this specific challenge will leave players vulnerable in crucial matches. Read more at Padel Addict

Quick Hits

• R3 Sport signs British No.3 Tia Norton, strengthening their commitment to women's padel and highlighting increased investment in UK female athletes. Read more at The Sports News Blitz

• Tamara Icardo offers candid thoughts on partnership dynamics: "There are couples that gel and others that don't, it's something so common in padel that you don't have to give it importance." Read more at Mundo Deportivo

• Sanyo Gutiérrez and Gonza Alfonso start strong with an opening victory at FIP Platinum Marseille, setting the tone for their new partnership. Read more at El Neverazo

Community Updates

LTA Champions Ethnic Diversity in Padel Growth

The Lawn Tennis Association released new commitments to promoting ethnic diversity in both tennis and padel, signaling a broader industry shift toward inclusive development as the sport expands rapidly across the UK. Read more at LTA

Sheffield Gets New Padel Courts Proposal

Scarborough Group International submitted planning applications for additional padel courts at their Sheffield site, reflecting the continued grassroots infrastructure expansion across Northern England. Read more at BE News