Game on: UBS brings padel to Hong Kong’s Central waterfront
Pop-up courts make the world’s fastest-growing sport accessible to all, fostering active living and a sense of community and connection
Move over, football. Padel is the new sports craze sweeping Hong Kong. With an emphasis on teamwork and camaraderie, the popular racquet sport offers a unique opportunity for people of all ages to connect and stay healthy.
UBS, the world’s largest global wealth manager, is hosting a series of padel pop-up events showcasing the world’s fastest-growing sport, set against the picturesque backdrop of Victoria Harbour. With the establishment of Padel Central, a dedicated, sports and lifestyle hub in the heart of the city, the bank is encouraging individuals to find a balance between work and play.
“Today’s clients are not only focused on growing their wealth – they are also prioritising a healthy, balanced lifestyle,” says Amy Lo, chairman of global wealth management Asia, head and chief executive of UBS Hong Kong. “More than ever, they are seeking holistic services that go beyond traditional wealth management, blending financial expertise with wellness, experience and personal fulfilment.”
Padel is a fast-paced racquet sport, a cross between tennis and squash. Typically played in doubles – essentially four people playing together on an enclosed, glass-walled court about one-third the size of a tennis court – the easy-to-learn sport is experiencing a surge in popularity across the globe, captivating the attention of sports enthusiasts drawn to its interactivity and social nature.
The game is played on around 63,000 courts across more than 130 countries by an estimated 30 million players, of which about 40 per cent are female, including 600,000 federated players who compete in official tournaments, according to a report from the International Padel Federation. The sport, which originated in Mexico in the late 1960s, has gained popularity with athletes and non-athletes alike.
Padel Central, the first of a three-part series presented by UBS in partnership with Hong Kong-based events and entertainment producer Great Entertainment Group, debuted on October 27 and will run until November 16. UBS reports that high demand during the inaugural series has led to courts being fully booked. In view of this, the first series may be extended (see the link below for updates). A second series is planned for February 2026, running through the Lunar New Year holiday, while the third is scheduled to take place from the end of May to the middle of June next year.
“We are thrilled to introduce padel to Hong Kong,” says Iqbal Khan, president of UBS Asia-Pacific and co-president of UBS global wealth management. “This [series of events] reflects our commitment to community well-being and to bringing innovative, meaningful experiences to Hong Kong.”
“Sport builds more than fitness – it creates relationships, resilience and a sense of belonging, as well as an ability to perform under pressure,” adds Taichi Takahashi, co-head of UBS investment bank for Asia-Pacific. “Padel and banking share a common thread: moving fast and thinking sharp.”
Padel Central draws a powerful parallel between the pursuit of excellence in sport and the passion, care and drive it takes to help clients realise their financial ambitions.
UBS, which has served Hong Kong for more than 60 years, is deeply invested in giving back to the local community. The bank actively participates in a host of engaging arts, culture, social and sports events aligned with the city’s passions and values.
This week, UBS will be hosting New Zealand All Blacks rugby legend Richie McCaw at its Hedge Fund Leaders Conference, where he will share with senior executives how, by adopting the right mindset, they can build resilient teams, drive clarity and turn setbacks into a strategic leadership edge. The three-time World Rugby Player of the Year award-winner will also join the executives at the padel courts, where he will demonstrate his skill and enthusiasm for the sport that is taking the world by storm.
Earlier this year, the bank sponsored Cirque du Soleil’s globally acclaimed production of Kooza, a celebration of acrobatics and artistry, marking the Canadian company’s return to the city for the first time in seven years. The show, enjoyed by nearly 8 million people globally, ran for 64 performances in Hong Kong, drawing an audience of more than 125,000, including many from out of town.
In May, seven-time Olympic gold medalist and 2025 Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Simone Biles joined a UBS community engagement event, sharing her journey of resilience, determination and personal growth with 550 students and young athletes.
In the arts, the bank has become the global lead partner of Art Basel, including its 11-year partnership with Art Basel Hong Kong.
UBS was also one of the first organisations to support family-friendly experiences following the pandemic, sponsoring the Wheel of Good Fortune Carnival in celebration of the Lunar New Year in 2023. The following year, Hong Kongers enjoyed yet more family-friendly experiences when UBS presented The World Circus, featuring a stellar line-up of circus talents.
“We hope Padel Central will be as warmly received as our previous community partnerships, and that it will spark new connections, energy and engagement across the city,” says Khan.