UK Padel Report – Independent Analysis of the Nation’s Fastest-Growing Racket Sport

The UK Padel Report, published by Oxygen Consulting, presents the first independent analysis of this fast-emerging racquet sport. The report examines why people are participating, maps the court infrastructure across the UK, analyses pricing, and explores the challenge of ensuring inclusive access.

Written by Ray Algar, the report is available for immediate purchase and download. It follows a high-profile launch event at Savills London on April 8th 2025, attended by over 90 senior leaders across sport, property, and leisure. The event sparked discussion on how to scale padel inclusively and sustainably.

Padel is now the UK’s fastest-growing racket sport, with courts expanding at an annual rate of 56% since the pandemic — 2.5 times the yearly growth observed before 2020. However, the report suggests that this growth involves critical choices: Will padel become an inclusive national sport, or will it continue to be concentrated in affluent, high-return areas markets?

Ray Algar, author of the report and Managing Director of Oxygen Consulting, comments:

“There is no doubt that padel will continue to grow across the UK — the enthusiasm from investors, operators, and players makes this clear. However, this report highlights opportunities to expand access, especially in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Pricing remains a barrier, particularly for regular players. I would like to see more venues opening in less affluent neighbourhoods to ensure the sport grows with inclusivity at its core.”

Jess Hill, Associate Surveyor in Restaurants and Leisure at Savills, comments: “We have witnessed a significant surge in the padel sector. Our collaboration with landlords and tenants, including our client Rocket Padel, has clearly demonstrated this trend. The demand for courts far exceeds supply, and we anticipate this growth to persist across the UK.”

Key Findings

• Court infrastructure surge: UK courts increased from fewer than 40 in 2016 to 710 by the end of 2024 — equivalent to a 43% compound annual growth rate (CAGR).
• Access disparity: 18% of venues are in England’s most affluent areas compared with just 3% in the most deprived — a 6.5x gap
•  Covered court trend: Operators are increasingly investing in indoor or weather-resistant courts, which help overcome the UK’s climate challenges and support year-round commercial viability.
• Pricing pressures: Court pricing among the UK’s top ten padel operators diverges widely, highlighting the absence of a standardised pricing model. While some venues charge under £20 per hour, others exceed £70 at peak times, raising concerns about affordability.
• Player motivations: Enjoyment, skill development, and fitness are the top reasons people play padel.

A Report Filling a National Gap

While global padel reports highlight international trends, this report provides the UK’s first independent analysis, offering essential national context for padel’s growth story.

Availability

The UK Padel Report is available now for purchase and download (£250, plus VAT) at this link.

About Ray Algar and Oxygen Consulting

Oxygen Consulting, led by Ray Algar, is a strategic consultancy based in Brighton, UK. For 20 years, it has been dedicated to providing insightful analysis and actionable intelligence in the global sports, health, and fitness industries. By blending original consumer insights with rigorous market analysis and presenting them through compelling storytelling and thought-provoking reports, the company aims to drive strategic change and contribute to a more active and healthier world.