Andy Murray’s investment in the padel industry is already proving to be a shrewd decision, as a recent funding round has catapulted the company to an impressive valuation, signaling significant growth potential. The company, Game4Padel, has become the UK’s leading force in padel court installations, capitalizing on the sport’s explosive rise in popularity. Padel, a dynamic hybrid of tennis and squash, has seen its profile soar in recent years, and with the support of the LTA (Lawn Tennis Association), the sport’s expansion in Britain is only just beginning.
Game4Padel, spearheaded by Murray, is now one of the most prominent names in the sector, with influential figures like Liverpool’s captain Virgil van Dijk, along with tennis veterans Andrew Castle and Annabel Croft, backing the company. The business has recently achieved a remarkable valuation of £27 million, and should the company decide to sell, Murray stands to benefit greatly from this lucrative figure.
Game4Padel’s chairman, Jim McMahon, shared some insights into their success. “We’ve worked tirelessly to build a profitable business, something that many competitors can’t claim,” he said. “Our focus remains on ensuring that our courts are consistently in use, creating vibrant padel communities. Even with the rapid growth of padel across the UK, we see huge potential for further expansion. Our goal is to open 10 to 15 more venues within the next year.”
Tennis365 also caught up with former British No. 1 Andrew Castle, who spoke passionately about the potential of padel, even dismissing concerns that it could overshadow tennis. “Padel is a sport that could have a massive global reach, not just in the UK but worldwide,” Castle explained. “Tennis will always be my first love, the ‘mummy and daddy’ of sports for me. But I’ll admit, padel is less technical than tennis, and you can reach a solid club standard much faster in padel.”
Castle, who still remains an advocate for tennis, acknowledged that the quick learning curve of padel could make it even more accessible and enjoyable for newcomers. “It’s easier to reach a point where you’re having fun. I can’t back this up with stats, but it feels true. The ability to enjoy yourself quickly is one of padel’s biggest selling points,” Castle noted.
The LTA has been offering grants to clubs to help install padel courts, a move that has already proven successful. Now, with Game4Padel’s backing from Murray and Castle, the company is taking this initiative a step further, aiming to not only install more courts but to build a sustainable, thriving padel ecosystem across the country.
Castle pointed out the financial challenges tennis clubs face when funding the installation of padel courts. “It can be tough to gather the necessary funds, anywhere between £40,000 to £150,000, just from membership fees and subs,” he said. “But Game4Padel takes care of the entire process. They build the courts, take a share of the revenue, and even provide coaching to teach people the game. It’s a win-win.”
When asked about the future of padel, Castle’s optimism was evident. “Where do I see padel in five years? It’s only going to grow. It’s an addictive sport. Once you play, you’ll want to play again. So in five years, there’s no doubt – it’s going to be bigger.”
With 2025 shaping up to be a major year for padel’s growth in the UK, Murray and his colleagues are well-positioned to capitalize on the sport’s expanding reach. As Game4Padel continues its rapid expansion, Murray’s investment could yield tremendous returns while contributing to the sport’s continued rise.