The UK Padel Boom: Why the Next Phase Must Be Built on Sustainable Growth

Read the thoughts of our CEO, Michael Gradon, on why the focus must now be on sustainable growth as padel continues to boom across the country.

The UK padel boom shows no sign of slowing. Recent industry data revealed that participation rose by 125% in 2025, with the number of players booking courts through the Playtomic platform increasing from 76,695 in January to more than 172,000 by December.

Over the same period, it’s estimated the number of clubs on the platform grew from around 130 to nearly 300, while the total number of courts in the UK rapidly heading towards 2,000. For a sport that only a few years ago had a small foothold in Britain, these numbers represent extraordinary momentum.

For those of us at Game4Padel, it is hugely encouraging to see the sport reaching this stage. Having been involved in developing padel in the UK from its earliest days, we know how quickly players embrace the game once they try it. While this is brilliant, we know that rapid expansion and uptake means everyone in the sector has a responsibility to ensure the sport’s growth is sustainable.

One of the key things we’ve always been passionate about is not just building courts, but instead building padel communities, which I believe is key to the long-term success of the sport across the country. Padel’s accessibility and social nature are at the heart of its appeal. Once people step on court for the first time, they want to play again and again. The role of operators is therefore to create environments that support continued engagement and not take it for granted. At G4P we do this through a variety of ways including coaching pathways, leagues, competitions and ultimately trying our very best to ensure a welcoming environment that players want to return to week after week.

Quality also matters. As the market grows, it is essential that venues are developed with strong fundamentals. For me, these are creating environments in the right locations, with thoughtful programming and facilities that can genuinely serve the local community.

In some international markets, there have been periods of extremely rapid expansion followed by consolidation when supply has moved ahead of sustainable demand. The UK still has enormous headroom for growth, but building responsibly will ensure the sport continues to flourish long into the future.

As the UK’s largest padel club operator, I’m very proud of the role Game4Padel has played in driving forward the growth of the sport across the UK and helping to establish deep roots in the country’s sporting landscape. We’ve now nearly 30 venues the length and breadth of the UK and we’re not stopping there.

The numbers from the past year show the opportunity in front of us. Participation is rising, awareness is growing and new venues are opening at pace. If the industry continues to prioritise quality, community and collaboration, padel will not just experience a boom, it will become a lasting part of Britain’s sporting culture.

And in many ways, the most exciting chapter of the UK padel story is only just beginning.