How ISO 25808 will shape the future of padel infrastructure

A few years ago, padel was still unknown in many markets, or perceived as a local emerging sport: dynamic, fast-growing, but not yet structured. Today, that perception is clearly changing.

Padel is now expanding globally, with new courts being built across Europe, the Americas, the Middle East and Asia every single day of the year. However, with this rapid growth comes a challenge that every developing sport eventually faces: how do you ensure consistency, safety and quality across thousands of facilities built in very different environments by a wide range of companies?

In our industry, a structural solution is now taking shape through the development of ISO 25808, the future international standard for padel courts.

This process originated within the industry itself. As the padel market expanded, differences in court design, materials, installation practices and quality control became increasingly evident. For manufacturers, investors and operators, this lack of consistency is not only a technical issue: it represents a tangible business risk.

The need for a common technical language quickly became clear.

In response, the International Padel Cluster created a dedicated working group to address this challenge through a consensus-based approach involving all relevant stakeholders. The first step was taken in Spain with the creation of UNE (Una Norma Española) 147201:2024, the world’s first national standard for padel courts. Developed by industry experts and coordinated through the national standardization system, it defines safety requirements, quality criteria and testing methods. Importantly, the existence of a national standard is a prerequisite before proposing a global regulation at ISO level.

The role of the International Padel Cluster has been crucial. As a non-profit trade organization, it has the capacity to bring together institutions, manufacturers, engineering firms and professionals across the entire value chain. Since its creation in 2020, its objective has been clear: to help structure and professionalize a rapidly growing industry, ensuring that its development is not only fast, but also sustainable. Both the UNE standard and the ISO proposal stem directly from this industry-driven effort — a framework built from within the sector, based on real technical expertise and operational experience.

From my direct involvement in this process, one conclusion stands out: when an industry collaborates around a shared vision and defines its own standards, it begins to mature. It becomes more predictable, more reliable and, therefore, more investable.

Entering the ISO 25808 framework

In 2025, once the UNE standard was established, the next logical step was taken: moving from a national framework to an international one. The proposal for ISO 25808 was approved by the International Organization for Standardization with the support of 20 national standardization bodies and no opposition — a strong signal that the need for standardization in padel court construction is widely shared.

From that point, the project formally entered the ISO system. For those less familiar with the standardization environment, ISO plays a critical role by bringing together independent national bodies from more than 160 countries and providing a structured, transparent process to develop globally recognized standards.

Being part of ISO fundamentally changes the nature of the project. It ensures technical rigor, international consensus and, above all, global credibility. ISO standards are not just technical documents; they shape markets, as they are widely used by public authorities, investors and private developers as references for procurement, project design and construction.

In the case of padel courts, ISO 25808 addresses two fundamental dimensions: player safety, ensuring that courts provide appropriate conditions for use; and structural reliability and durability, which are essential for protecting long-term investments. This dual focus is critical, as the success of any sports infrastructure ultimately depends on both user experience and financial sustainability.

Where we stand today

As of early 2026, the project is well underway within ISO Technical Committee 83 (ISO/TC 83), the technical committee responsible for sports facilities. A first draft has been developed, international requirements are being incorporated, and expert discussions are ongoing.

This is the most demanding phase: aligning diverse technical, regulatory and environmental contexts into a single, coherent global framework. If progress continues as expected, the standard could be published in 2027.

A broader perspective

What makes ISO 25808 particularly relevant is not only what it will deliver for padel, but what it represents for the wider sports industry. It is a clear example of how a fast-growing sport can take ownership of its development, define its standards and create the conditions for sustainable expansion. It also highlights the importance of collaboration.

From the outset, we have worked not only within the industry, but also toward closer alignment with the International Padel Federation (FIP) and other stakeholders. Because infrastructure and sport cannot evolve independently.

More than a standard

ISO 25808 is not just about defining how a padel court should be built. It is about creating trust. Trust for investors. Trust for operators. Trust for players. And ultimately, trust in the long-term viability of the sport.

From my perspective, having been involved in this process from its early stages, one thing is clear: standardization is not just a technical exercise. It is a strategic decision. And for padel, it is a necessary step toward becoming a truly global and mature industry.