Key Takeaways
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London hosted its first Premier Padel event at Olympia, attracting around 20,000 spectators.
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Organisers Sela signed a 10-year agreement to stage the tournament, with ambitions to elevate it to Wimbledon-level prestige.
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Plans include expanding attendance, introducing amateur competitions, and keeping the event in early August at Olympia through 2027.
Ambitions for the future
The London Premier Padel P1 has been hailed as a landmark moment for the sport in England. Organisers Sela, backed by a decade-long licence, are determined to make the event a global reference point. “My hope would be it could become a Wimbledon of padel. That is the north star,” said Luke Lloyd-Davies, Sela’s chief growth officer. He stressed that building a community and evolving from participation to spectator culture will be key to achieving that status.
Olympia as the venue
The refurbished Olympia in Kensington proved an ideal stage, combining history with modern facilities. Over 20,000 fans attended across the week, confirming strong interest in padel’s UK debut. Lloyd-Davies noted that Olympia’s space, hotels, and infrastructure make it a rare venue in London capable of hosting such an event. While future developments may be considered, the 2027 edition is expected to remain at Olympia in early August.
Expanding the experience
Organisers are already brainstorming ways to grow the tournament. Ideas include an amateur cup with the winner entering qualifying, as well as exhibition matches to broaden appeal. Lloyd-Davies explained the importance of learning from year one: “Year one is about putting the flag in the sand, learning from the mistakes, then correcting them and making it more successful the following year.”
Building prestige
Comparisons with Wimbledon and Augusta highlight the ambition behind London P1. While reaching such status will take years, the organisers believe the foundations are in place. The event’s success has already sparked discussions with Premier Padel and the Lawn Tennis Association about how to elevate padel in Britain and beyond.
