Pickleball vs Badminton: Which Sport Is Winning UK Leisure Centres?

Pickleball vs. Badminton: Which Sport Are UK Leisure Centres Backing?

Walk into any leisure centre across England and you are likely to hear the steady rhythm of shuttlecocks or the sudden pop of a plastic pickleball. These two sports—one a long-established staple of British indoor facilities, the other a rapidly growing upstart—are increasingly vying for the same court space, funding, and community attention. The question now confronting councils and operators is: which one fits the future of British recreation?

A Clash of Cultures on Court
Badminton has been a mainstay in UK leisure centres for decades. Governed by Badminton England, with roots tracing back to the 19th century, it enjoys broad appeal among youth groups, fitness classes, and league players. Its low-impact nature and established coaching infrastructure make it a favourite in multi-sport venues.

Pickleball, by contrast, only began gaining traction in England in the late 2010s. Initially regarded as a niche pastime for retirees, it is now drawing participants from a much broader demographic. Pickleball England reports a sharp rise in demand, with membership exceeding 15,000 as of 2024, and many local authorities now fielding regular requests for dedicated court time.

Facility Economics: Versatility and Cost
From an operator’s perspective, versatility is key. Badminton requires a relatively large indoor court, high ceilings, and a well-maintained wooden floor. Pickleball, while slightly smaller in court size, can be played on indoor wood, sports vinyl, or even outdoor tarmac. Because several pickleball courts can fit within a single badminton court footprint, it offers flexibility in multi-use halls.

According to a facilities manager at a leisure complex in the Midlands, “We’re seeing more weekday pickleball bookings, especially among retirees. That daytime usage is gold for our revenue stream.”

Indeed, off-peak utilisation has become a primary argument in favour of pickleball. Where badminton often peaks during evenings and weekends, pickleball attracts a broader daily spread. Leisure centres in Kent, Warwickshire, and Lancashire report that pickleball sessions are now running nearly every weekday morning, often with waiting lists.

Intergenerational Appeal
One of pickleball’s strengths lies in its inclusive play style. The sport has found enthusiastic uptake among older adults thanks to its lower physical demands, but it has also made inroads with younger players and families. The ability to play mixed ages and skill levels on a single court is a strong social selling point.

Badminton, while also inclusive, tends to stratify more by ability. A competitive match can be quite intense and physically demanding. This makes it more challenging for complete beginners or multi-generational families to participate together without adjusting rules or intensity.

Some leisure centre coordinators have begun pairing the two sports in programming to complement each other. A centre in Bristol, for example, alternates pickleball and badminton blocks during weekend community sessions, reporting strong turnout for both but particularly high retention among pickleball beginners.

Institutional Support and Challenges
Badminton England remains a powerful presence with well-funded programmes, national tournaments, and recognised pathways for young athletes. Schools, academies, and universities continue to rely on badminton as a core indoor racket sport. Government funding, while declining in recent years, still flows more freely toward badminton than emerging alternatives.

Pickleball England, by contrast, is still in the process of formalising governance structures and pathways. However, it has made remarkable progress. The sport was recognised by Sport England in 2021, and funding for equipment grants and pilot programmes has followed. In 2023, more than 60 leisure centres received introductory pickleball sets as part of the Active Wellbeing campaign aimed at over-55s.

That said, pickleball does face barriers. One issue is noise. The distinct pop of the ball on a hard paddle can be disruptive in echoing halls. While not a dealbreaker, it has led some centres to implement booking restrictions or install acoustic panels.

Space Wars: The Booking Dilemma
Perhaps the most telling battleground is the leisure centre booking calendar. With only so many indoor halls available, the allocation of peak slots becomes a test of loyalty, profitability, and popularity. In several councils—including Hampshire, Nottinghamshire, and Oxfordshire—pickleball organisers have begun formally requesting dedicated court lines and fixed weekly slots, sparking concern among badminton regulars.

“We’re not trying to replace badminton,” says one pickleball organiser in Oxford. “But our players deserve consistent access too. Right now, we’re marking lines with tape each week and it’s not sustainable.”

Some facilities are investing in dual-use floor markings, allowing both sports to coexist. But others are making choices. In a few cases, such as a leisure centre in East Sussex, badminton clubs have reported being bumped from long-standing time slots to accommodate pickleball’s growth.

This tension is likely to intensify unless additional indoor space becomes available—a perennial challenge in council-run sport.

Data Tipping the Balance?
While hard numbers remain difficult to compare directly, signs suggest momentum may be favouring pickleball in certain settings. Pickleball England’s 2024 club survey indicated that over 60 percent of new players were introduced to the sport through leisure centre programmes. Meanwhile, some badminton clubs report declining junior attendance since the pandemic.

At the same time, badminton maintains a substantial competitive and school-based presence. It remains a GCSE sport and a popular choice for inter-school competition. Pickleball, in contrast, has only recently entered youth programming on a trial basis in a handful of secondary schools in West Yorkshire and Surrey.

Coexistence or Competition?
The future is unlikely to be a winner-takes-all outcome. Instead, leisure centres may need to refine programming that reflects different user groups and peak times. Pickleball may dominate weekday mornings and retiree sessions, while badminton continues to lead during evening leagues and youth programmes.

Some centres have even reported hybrid approaches—introducing beginners to both sports in taster sessions to let them find their preference. The shared fundamentals of footwork, coordination, and racket control make cross-training feasible.

What is clear is that leisure operators are paying attention. With post-COVID recovery strategies focused on reengaging communities and maximising space, any sport that can bring consistent, diverse attendance will have the edge.

For now, badminton retains its crown in school systems and national funding. But pickleball is making a credible claim to the crown jewel of UK leisure centres: year-round, grassroots engagement from people of all ages.