Industry news · Updated 19 October 2026

Few countries have seen padel grow as fast as Great Britain. In just a few years the sport has gone from a niche to one of the most talked-about investments in UK sport. For investors and club owners, the question is no longer whether there is demand, but where and how to build. Here are the key figures and what they mean.

One million players

In May 2026, the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), which governs padel in Britain, announced that 1,000,000 adults and juniors now play padel in the country. The growth curve is steep:

Source: LTA. In other words, the number of players has grown more than 60-fold since 2019.

1,825 courts at 551 venues

Court building has also accelerated. According to the LTA, Great Britain had 1,825 padel courts at 551 venues in May 2026, up from 1,553 at the end of 2025 and 870 at the end of 2024. That means the number of courts more than doubled in about 17 months.

Even so, supply is still tight. With one million players and 1,825 courts, there are roughly 550 players per court. That is one reason why established venues often report full peak hours.

Where the money comes from

Public and private money is flowing into the sport. Industry site Padel Cluster reports that the LTA and its foundation have invested more than £7.5 million in court building, which has unlocked a further £10.5 million – over £18 million in total for 112 courts at 57 venues. Private operators are expanding too, from city-centre pay-and-play sites to courts at existing tennis and leisure clubs.

The growing pushback

Rapid growth also brings friction. In October 2026, the news agency AFP reported on growing local opposition to new and proposed padel sites, most notably in London, where some residents object to noise and lighting. The 2026 UK Padel Report, compiled by consultant Ray Algar, estimates that more than half of UK padel courts are in cities and around a quarter in rural areas.

For investors this matters. The LTA’s construction guidance notes that if a home is within 50 metres of a planned court, noise and light surveys are likely to be required. Courts on greenfield land in England must also meet Biodiversity Net Gain rules, which require a 10% increase in biodiversity value. Location and early dialogue with neighbours can make or break a project.

What this means if you are building in the UK

• Demand is proven, but the easy city-centre sites are being taken. Look at underserved towns and existing sports clubs.
• Plan for planning. Budget time and money for noise and light surveys, and talk to neighbours early.
• Build for the climate. The LTA recommends galvanised steelwork, because corrosion rates in the UK are higher than in continental Europe, and 12 mm toughened glass for outdoor courts.
• Think about cover. Rain is the biggest threat to utilisation. Read our guide to covered padel courts and canopies.
• Control the court cost. With site works, lights and permits adding up, the price of the court itself matters. See our court models and prices.

Frequently asked questions

How many people play padel in the UK?

According to the LTA, 1,000,000 adults and juniors played padel in Great Britain as of May 2026, up from 400,000 at the end of 2024.

How many padel courts are there in the UK?

The LTA counted 1,825 padel courts at 551 venues in Great Britain in May 2026.

Do you need planning permission for a padel court in the UK?

Yes. The LTA states that building a padel court requires formal planning consent from the local authority, and the site developer is responsible for obtaining it.

Sources: LTA Padel, “1,000,000 padel players in Britain” (May 2026); LTA, Padel Court Construction Guidance Note 2025; Padel Cluster (July 2026); AFP via Malay Mail (18 October 2026).