LTA padel figures show UK growth: 893 courts, over 400,000 players

Padel is continuing to grow in popularity across Great Britain, with participation more than trebling last year, alongside a major spike in public awareness and interest, according to the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), the governing body for tennis and padel in the UK.

New figures released by the LTA show that at the end of 2024, just over 400,000 adults and juniors in Great Britain played padel at least once in the preceding 12 months. That figure is up from 15,000 in 2019, 89,000 in 2021, and 129,000 at the end of 2023.

The data also shows that the number of padel courts has risen to 893 across 300 venues, up from 350 courts in September 2024.

The LTA said that as of February 2025, it has invested more than £6 million in the growth of padel across Britain, including £4.5 million towards the development of 80 courts at 42 venues, representing around 10% of all padel courts nationwide.

The rapid growth in the popularity of padel was also underlined in Sport England’s Active Lives annual survey, released last month. It found that the number of adults who play padel twice monthly doubled from 23,000 in 2022/23 to 51,000 in 2023/24.

Padel venues involved in community outreach

“Padel is playing an increasingly active role within our communities,” the LTA said, adding that the association is “passionate about opening up padel to a more diverse audience, including those from underserved communities across the country, so everyone can enjoy the physical and mental benefits of staying active.”

The LTA noted that more than three-quarters of all padel venues in the UK are involved in some form of community outreach, from local school partnerships to free sessions and coaching for underserved groups. According to its research, an average off-peak court booking costs £7 per person per hour (based upon doubles.)

The new figures also showed that awareness of padel among adults reached 43% of the population (around 23 million individuals) in the first quarter of 2025, representing a significant increase from 23% (12 million) during the same period in the previous year.

“Interest in playing padel across Britain continues to increase, with over eight million Britons expressing a desire to try padel, which is up by 60% over the past 12 months – reflecting its accessible, social nature and appeal to all age groups,” it said.

New website and social media channels

The LTA has rolled out a series of measures designed to “help continue to drive the visibility and growth” of padel, including the launch of two new dedicated LTA Padel social media channels in April: @LTA_Padel on Instagram and @ltapadel on TikTok 

The LTA said the channels feature “exclusive content, including expert player tips, how-to guides, and the latest updates on Britain’s padel players.”

The association has also this week launched a dedicated padel website (www.ltapadel.org.uk) “to support the growing players, fans, competitors and venues”.

“As interest in the sport continues to rise, the new site provides a variety of information for anyone looking to get involved – from beginners picking up a racket for the first time, to experienced players looking to compete,” the LTA said.

“With a range of accessible resources including ‘how to get started’ guides, equipment advice, and tips on entering competitions, the platform aims to make padel more accessible to anyone who wants to get involved.

“The site will also offer comprehensive support for venues, including practical information on how to integrate padel into existing facilities and capitalise on the sport’s growing popularity.

“Furthermore, fans of the sport can enjoy a dedicated Fanzone, spotlighting the achievements of Britain’s elite padel players, celebrating milestones from across the padel community, and providing player profiles.

“The launch of the LTA Padel website marks an exciting step in the LTA’s commitment to growing padel at all levels, making it easier for players, venues, and supporters to connect with and enjoy the sport.”

Increasing visibility and accessibility

LTA head of padel Tom Murray said: “The LTA are pleased to share the latest figures highlighting the continued growth of padel in Great Britain, alongside the launch of the LTA’s new dedicated social channels and website.

“With over 400,000 people taking to the courts in 2024 and 8 million expressing interest in trying the sport, padel’s momentum is undeniable.

"The expansion of facilities, now at 893 courts across 300 venues, and the strong community engagement at more than 75% of these sites, reflects the sport’s inclusive and social appeal.

“Increasing visibility and accessibility is a key pillar of our padel strategy, and through these new platforms and our partnerships across the sector, the LTA are able to share more content, reach new audiences, and help even more people discover where and how they can get involved in the sport.”

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