Key Takeaways
- Across Britain, 1.5 million adults and juniors play padel, while the sport is available on 2,445 courts at 682 venues. Two-thirds of those players also take part in tennis.
- Participation stood at 15,000 in 2019 before climbing to 129,000 in 2023, 400,000 in 2024, 860,000 in 2025 and 1,000,00 in May.
- Public court pilot schemes are due to begin this year through a partnership between the LTA and the UK Government, while more than 80% of existing venues run community outreach initiatives.
British padel participation hits 1.5 million at 682 venues
Figures published by the LTA for World Padel Day show that 1.5 million adults and juniors now play padel in Britain. Nationwide provision has reached 2,445 courts spread among 682 venues.
Britain had 15,000 padel players in 2019, with the total increasing to 129,000 in 2023 and 400,000 by the end of 2024. It then reached 860,000 at the close of 2025 before rising to 1,000,00 in May this year. Of the 1.5 million people who currently play padel, two-thirds are also tennis participants, highlighting how the two sports complement each other.
How the LTA’s growth figures have progressed
| Time period | Player count |
|---|---|
| Earlier this year in May | 1,000,00 |
| End of 2025 | 860,000 |
| End of 2024 | 400,000 |
| 2023 | 129,000 |
| 2019 | 15,000 |
Broadening community engagement and public access
Reaching underserved communities is a key part of the LTA’s continuing effort to make padel more affordable and accessible across Britain. The governing body is working with the UK Government to examine funding options for publicly owned courts, and pilot projects are scheduled to begin around Britain this year.
The initiative seeks to create opportunities for people of every age and background while reducing entry barriers by installing courts in public parks, leisure centres and comparable locations. More than 80% of British padel venues already operate outreach programmes aimed at women and girls, children, young people and underserved groups.
Investment in facilities and the workforce
Tom Murray, the LTA Head of Padel, discussed the sport’s direction and its newly confirmed milestones.
“On World Padel Day, these figures demonstrate the remarkable trajectory padel continues to make in Britain.” said Murray. “With 1.5 million people now playing the sport, padel has firmly established itself as one of the country’s fastest-growing sports.”
Murray continued: “Our focus remains on supporting public courts, sustainable growth and increasing access to facilities, alongside developing and growing our on-court workforce through our LTA Activator and coaching qualifications.”
“By investing in both facilities and the people who bring the sport to life, we can widen opportunities to play and ensure more people can pick up a racket and enjoy padel.” Murray concluded.
