Padel's Meteoric Rise in the UK Approaches One Million Player Milestone
Once dismissed as a quirky continental fad, padel has firmly established itself in the British sporting landscape, with participation levels skyrocketing to nearly one million players. According to exclusive figures from the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), 860,000 Britons played padel at least once in 2025—a dramatic increase from 400,000 in 2024 and a mere 129,000 in 2023.
Exponential Growth and Accessibility
The LTA attributes this extraordinary boom to several key factors. Padel's accessibility stands out as a primary driver, with beginners able to pick up the basics within minutes. The sport combines elements of tennis and squash, featuring a smaller court (one-third the size of a standard tennis court) and underarm serves, making it easier to learn than traditional racket sports.
Tom Murray, the LTA's head of padel, emphasized the sport's appeal: "The growth of padel, both in Britain and globally, is undeniable, with participation rising at an exponential rate. It's a fun, fast-paced and accessible sport that is attracting new players every day."
Celebrity Endorsements and Visibility
High-profile figures from entertainment and sports have significantly boosted padel's visibility. Celebrities such as Eva Longoria, Lily James, and Cristiano Ronaldo have embraced the sport, while rapper Stormzy and tennis star Andy Murray have become vocal advocates. This celebrity influence has helped transform padel from a niche activity into a mainstream phenomenon.
"From high-profile figures in entertainment and sport, padel's visibility continues to increase, inspiring more people to pick up a racket," added Tom Murray.
Infrastructure Expansion and Future Prospects
The infrastructure supporting padel has expanded rapidly. By the end of 2025, the UK had 1,553 padel courts across 559 venues, up from 870 courts at 293 venues in 2024. When the LTA assumed governance of the sport in 2020, there were only 69 courts nationwide.
Looking ahead, the LTA anticipates further growth in 2026, despite occasional local opposition. For instance, a recent proposal to build four new courts in York was rejected due to residents' concerns about noise and environmental impact. However, such setbacks have done little to slow padel's momentum.
Professional Recognition and Affordability
Padel's rise extends beyond amateur participation. In August, London will host the Premier Padel Tour, marking the largest professional tournament ever held in the UK. Additionally, the International Padel Federation announced that padel will be a medal event at next year's European Games in Istanbul, a significant step toward potential Olympic inclusion.
While often perceived as a middle-class sport, padel remains relatively affordable. The LTA reports that the average off-peak court booking costs approximately £7 per person per hour for a four-player game.
Tom Murray concluded: "With 860,000 people playing in 2025, over 10 million expressing interest in trying the sport, and around 1,600 courts now in place across hundreds of venues, padel's momentum is undeniable."
Invented in Mexico in the late 1960s, padel has surged in popularity at both amateur and professional levels since the pandemic, solidifying its status as one of the UK's fastest-growing sports.
