Powerleague, the UK’s leading provider of small-sided football, has secured new private equity backing as it moves forward with ambitious plans to expand into Padel. The company has been acquired by Broadsword Investment Management Ltd, a UK-based private equity firm specializing in real estate-backed growth opportunities.
Under the new ownership, Powerleague’s management team will remain in place, supported by Broadsword to drive an extensive investment strategy. The company aims to introduce Padel to nearly half of its clubs across the UK, with initial expansions set for Birmingham and London. The acquisition will accelerate the development of new Football and Padel Clubs over the next two years, with plans to establish 18 Padel clubs and 76 courts by 2026, making the sport accessible to over 200,000 players annually.
Christian Rose, CEO of Powerleague, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, emphasizing the company’s commitment to evolving into a multi-sport operator while maintaining football at its core. Broadsword’s CEO, Daniel Sennett, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the exciting opportunity to expand Powerleague’s footprint in the growing Padel market.
This is what he said: “This is a hugely exciting moment for Powerleague. Partnering with Broadsword gives us the platform to accelerate our growth, invest in our clubs, and bring new sports like Padel to communities across the UK. While football remains at the heart of everything we do, we’re proud to be evolving into a true multi-sport operator. Our mission remains clear, to make sport more accessible, inclusive, and enjoyable for everyone.”
With this strategic investment, Powerleague is set to enhance its offerings, bringing Padel to a wider audience while continuing to invest in football facilities and community engagement initiatives. The expansion marks a significant step in the company’s evolution, reinforcing its position as a leader in sports accessibility and innovation.
