sports
Lily James, Andy Murray and a million Britons: Padel's Rise Nears Milestone
860,000 Britons played padel at least once last year
TL;DR
- Padel participation in the UK more than doubled in 2025, reaching 860,000 players.
- The sport's popularity is attributed to its accessibility, with beginners able to play quickly.
- Celebrities like Eva Longoria, Lily James, Cristiano Ronaldo, Stormzy, and Andy Murray are advocates and players.
- The number of padel courts in the UK increased significantly, from 69 in 2020 to 1,553 by the end of 2025.
- The sport is gaining international recognition, with a major tournament in London and potential inclusion in the European Games, aiming for Olympic participation.
- Despite some local noise concerns from residents, the sport's momentum is strong.