BUCS is pleased to confirm the introduction of Padel into the BUCS competition programme for the 2025-26 season. The new discipline will sit within the BUCS Tennis programme and will be delivered as the BUCS Padel Championships 2025-26, a one-weekend, central-venue event run by a third-party delivery partner appointed through a competitive tender process.
BUCS has published the Making Changes to BUCS Competitions Framework, which summarises the processes for making changes to the competitions framework. One new process, Route 4 - New disciplines, allows BUCS to add distinct disciplines of existing sports, initially in a probation period, with no BUCS Points into the programme. The Padel Championship has been introduced via this process.
Padel, a fast-growing sport combining elements of tennis and squash, has seen rapid expansion across Europe and increasing popularity within the UK higher education sector. While only a small number of universities currently have on-campus courts, at least 32 institutions run active padel clubs or societies and student demand is rising. Padel was showcased at the 2025 BUCS Big Wednesday to highlight the sport’s appeal among students.
Why BUCS is introducing padel
Padel’s rapid growth in participation and facilities, together with clear student demand across institutions, presents a timely opportunity for BUCS to establish formal competition pathways. Launching a Year-1 standalone Championship allows BUCS to test demand, commercial viability and operational models with controlled exposure while giving students a new, high-quality competitive opportunity.
Tender process and next steps
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Tender deadline: 5pm on Friday 23 January 2026.
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The tender is now open, prospective delivery partners should review the full bid pack and submission requirements from the attachments below.
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The most suitable organisation/partner will be awarded the staging of the BUCS Padel Championships for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 seasons.
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If necessary, BUCS may conduct a short interview and/or a site visit prior to awarding or prior to staging the event.
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After the conclusion of the 2025-26 event, a Year One Review will take place to determine the success of the Championship and whether the host will continue to deliver the event during the 2026-27 season.
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BUCS, together with the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), will review all applications and appoint a delivery partner.
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Institutions and student clubs interested in entering teams should watch BUCS communications for entry opening dates (entries will open after the bid process concludes).
Neal Kington, BUCS Head of Competitions, said: "We’re incredibly excited to welcome padel into our delivery programme. The growth of the sport is genuinely thrilling, and we look forward to seeing padel brought to life in the higher education space for the first time through a BUCS Championship. This is a fantastic chance for students to engage with a fast-moving discipline and for universities to grow participation across campus."
