Padel, the world's fastest growing participation sport, is set to expand its global reach with the launch of the Hexagon World Series in 2026. The new team competition, backed by celebrities including Andy Murray, Anthony Joshua, and Sergio Aguero, aims to boost spectator appeal beyond its traditional strongholds in Spain and Argentina.
The Hexagon World Series will succeed the Hexagon Cup and feature three or four events worldwide, with the full support of the International Padel Federation (FIP). Teams will consist of two men and two women, with all points counting towards the overall score, making it a gender-equal event.
Enrique Buenaventura, founder of the Hexagon Cup, compared the series to Formula 1, noting that having a UK team with Murray and Joshua will attract fans and inspire future professionals from different countries. Gary Davidson, chief operating officer of sports agency 54, highlighted padel's high female participation rate of 47%, calling it a huge opportunity for equality.
The competition is designed to give padel a more global appeal, with international teams helping to engage spectators in countries like the UK, where participation is soaring but professional representation is limited. The Hexagon World Series is expected to drive grassroots growth and create new stars outside the current Spanish and Argentine dominance.
