The state of pickleball in Europe: adoption and the background of its popularity

Pickleball, which spread explosively in America, is steadily putting down roots in Europe as well.

It is not at America's explosive pace, but enthusiasts are increasing mainly in Spain, the UK, the Netherlands, and Germany, spreading from regions with existing tennis and badminton cultures. This article organizes the adoption status and characteristics of each European country, the differences from the US, major tournaments, and the future outlook, based on information as of June 2026.

The Current State of Pickleball Drawing Attention in Europe

Pickleball adoption in Europe, while not explosive, continues to grow steadily.

In Spain especially, the development of outdoor courts taking advantage of the mild climate has progressed, with many courts installed at resort areas such as the Costa del Sol and Alicante. In the UK, its popularity has risen mainly among older adults, and it is increasingly adopted as a sports program by local communities. In the Netherlands and Germany, associations have been established and promotion has begun in earnest. A common feature is the use of existing sports infrastructure. Because converting tennis courts and badminton courts keeps initial investment down, adoption is progressing at both public and private facilities.

Adoption Status and Characteristics in Major Countries

Spain: Development Centered on Resort Areas

Spain is one of the countries where pickleball adoption is most advanced in Europe.

Backed by a mild climate and well-equipped sports facilities, the sport spread through immigrants and vacationers from North America. At Mediterranean coastal resorts such as the Costa del Sol and Alicante, players are increasing mainly among communities of retired foreign residents. In Spain, padel is already established as a popular sport, and familiarity with racket sports also provides fertile ground for acceptance. However, padel's overwhelming popularity has also made pickleball's growth rate more gradual than in other countries.

UK: Establishing Its Position as a Sport for Older Adults

In the UK, pickleball has drawn attention as a health-promoting sport for older adults.

In regions where the LTA (Lawn Tennis Association)-led Play & Stay program is widespread, few people drop out of tennis, so explosive growth is not seen. Even so, there is steady demand centered on older adults, with regular activities held at local sports centers and community facilities. Because a graduated tennis education system is in place, young people tend to stay with tennis, while for those who have retired from tennis or seniors newly starting exercise, pickleball is an ideal option. For a detailed look at the UK situation, see theUK pickleball articledigs into it.

Netherlands and Germany: Organized Promotion Efforts

In the Netherlands and Germany, associations have been established and organized promotion efforts are underway.

Both countries have well-developed sports cultures and are well prepared to accept new sports. Dedicated courts are being built mainly in urban areas, and regular tournaments and clinics are held. In the Netherlands especially, an increasing number of existing tennis clubs are adding pickleball courts and offering them as a new activity for members.

A Broadening Base Extending to Other Countries

Beyond the four main countries, pickleball's base is quietly broadening.

In the Nordic countries, activity in gymnasiums and indoor facilities is increasing as an indoor recreation for the long winters. In countries where tennis and racket sports are popular, such as France and Italy, trial sessions and tournaments have begun to be held mainly through clubs. Because climate and existing sport circumstances differ by country, the manner of spread is not uniform, but a common pattern is visible: building on existing racket culture, it first takes hold among adults and seniors. The fact that tourists and foreign residents form the core of communities is another feature unique to Europe.

Differences from the US | Adoption Speed and Cultural Background

There are major differences between the pickleball situations in Europe and the US. We have organized them in a table.

In the US, according to SFIA figures, the participant population increased about 311% over the past three years to around 24.3 million in 2025, earning it the label of the fastest-growing sport. Europe's adoption, on the other hand, is more gradual. Behind this lies a difference in sports education systems. In many European countries, graduated Play & Stay-style tennis education is widespread, creating an environment where beginners are unlikely to drop out of tennis. By contrast, in the US, traditional tennis instruction remains in many areas, creating a structure where people who feel tennis is difficult move to pickleball.

Another major factor is the presence of padel as a competing sport. Centered on Spain, padel is already established and competes in the same racket sport category. Suited to urban areas and matching a social culture, padel's popularity somewhat curbs the room for pickleball's growth.

Major Tournaments and the Competitive Environment in Europe

In Europe, the hosting of international pickleball tournaments is gradually increasing.

In addition to tournaments organized by each national association, regional events such as the European Championships have come to be held. These tournaments play an important role in raising the competitive level and strengthening community bonds. The development of the competitive environment is also progressing, with dedicated facilities being built and existing facilities converted in each country. Because about four pickleball courts can be created from one tennis court, this is also supported as an efficient use of land.

Facilities are being developed both indoors and outdoors. In cold regions such as the Nordic countries, indoor facilities are central, while on the Mediterranean coast, outdoor courts predominate. Court installations are increasing not only at public facilities but also at private sports clubs and resort facilities. Taking root at different speeds by region depending on climate and compatibility with existing sports is a characteristic of Europe.

Growth outlook and challenges ahead

The future of pickleball in Europe is viewed positively, if cautiously.

The development of international governing bodies is also progressing. Globally, while the IPF (International Pickleball Federation) and the WPF (World Pickleball Federation) are moving toward a merger, the GPF (Global Pickleball Federation) launched under USA Pickleball's leadership stands alongside them; the move to unify the governing bodies itself is progressing, but the final structure remains fluid. In Europe as well, frameworks such as the European Pickleball Federation and the PPA Europe Tour are coming together, and the standardization of unified world rules and international tournament operations is anticipated.

Drawing attention is the move toward Olympic inclusion. Adoption at the 2028 Los Angeles Games was passed over, but with an eye on 2032 and beyond, efforts continue to meet conditions such as unifying the international governing bodies and achieving worldwide adoption. If it becomes an Olympic sport, recognition and adoption in Europe could accelerate all at once. For details, seethe explainer on becoming an Olympic sport.

On the other hand, there are challenges too. Competition with padel, the success of the existing tennis education system, and limited facility space are factors that hinder rapid growth. Also, because an association-led institutional approach—rather than a US-style private-sector-led free market model—is mainstream, explosive grassroots adoption is structurally unlikely to occur. Even so, its suitability for an aging society, the rising health consciousness, and its appeal as a social sport are fully appreciated in Europe as well.

The Difference Between Padel and Pickleball

Essential to understanding Europe is the relationship with the competing sport padel. The two are similar but distinct, and their differences influence adoption speed in each country.

Padel's appeal lies in dynamic play using the walls, and it is established as an urban sport centered on Spain. Pickleball, on the other hand, has the strength of needing no walls, saving space, and being easy to convert from existing facilities. Compared with padel, which presupposes building a dedicated court, pickleball has the ease of just drawing lines on one court to start, and this difference makes it easier to spread to rural areas and senior communities. In countries where padel is strong, pickleball's growth tends to be gradual, but because the two differ in clientele and location, there is ample room for them to spread while coexisting.

Major Tournaments and Federations in Europe

Building a foundation as a competitive sport is also progressing. In addition to each national association, a framework that ties the whole region together is coming into place.

The European Pickleball Federation plays a role in connecting the national associations, and regional events including the European Championships have come to be held. Furthermore, the PPA, a professional tour originating in America, is expanding into Europe (PPA Europe), and tournaments featuring top international players are increasing. Such tournaments contribute not only to raising the competitive level but also to media exposure and the formation of a spectating culture. As each country's national players come to shine on the international stage, it leads to greater recognition at home, creating a virtuous cycle of adoption. The spread of tournaments is proof that European pickleball is taking a step forward from recreation to competition.

How to Play in Europe

When visiting Europe for travel or residence, more and more people want to enjoy pickleball locally. Let's cover the key points for finding a place to play.

At Spain's Mediterranean coastal resorts, courts are often attached to hotels and sports clubs, and joining a community of foreign residents makes it easy to find fellow players. In the UK, the Netherlands, and Germany, you can check the official sites of each national association and local sports centers for activity bases and open play information. Searching for "pickleball + city name" in SNS community groups can also turn up notices for trial sessions and open sessions. Many facilities also offer equipment rentals, so you can often join empty-handed even while traveling. Even with a language barrier, pickleball's rules are easy to convey through gestures, and its appeal is that you can interact across generations and nationalities.

The key to reading Europe is the coexistence with padel. In countries where padel is strong, such as Spain, growth is gradual, while in many countries it spreads to older adults on the foundation of tennis culture—a gradual-adoption type different from America's explosion. If Olympic inclusion is realized, this quiet spread could come to the surface all at once.

FAQ

Summary: The Future of Pickleball in Europe

European pickleball is following a path of steady, sustained adoption rather than the explosive growth seen in America.

A foundation is coming into place in major countries such as Spain, the UK, the Netherlands, and Germany, and the development of international governing bodies and hopes for Olympic inclusion in 2032 and beyond are factors that will boost future growth. Although there are challenges such as competition with padel and the success of the existing sports education system, its suitability for an aging society, its health-promoting effects, and its appeal as a social sport also fit European culture and social needs well.

With stronger cooperation among national associations, expanded facility development, and more international tournaments, the European pickleball scene will steadily develop. This sport that can be enjoyed across generations is expected to establish a firm position in Europe as well. For the spread worldwide, see theglobal boom articleplease also have a look.

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