2026 LTA Padel National League entries now open
Entries have opened for the 2026 LTA Padel National League. Organised by the Lawn Tennis Association, the competition is regarded as Britain's largest padel team event and brings clubs from across the country together in a structured season format. With the previous campaign concluded, attention now turns to the new edition as teams from every level seek to secure their places.
Three divisions and a clear hierarchy
As in previous years, the competition is split into three divisions. Division 1 features the highest-ranked teams representing their clubs at the top level. The structure follows a promotion and relegation system that rewards performance while keeping the door open for ambitious sides from lower tiers. Competing in the LTA Padel National League is not only about regional prestige but also about earning a direct route to the national finals.
The National Finals take place on 28 and 29 November. There, qualified teams battle for the national championship. For many clubs, this weekend marks the peak of the season because it condenses the entire league phase into a handful of decisive fixtures. The final dates are therefore firmly anchored in the British padel calendar.
Looking back at the 2025 season
The previous season provided clear reference points for the new edition. In the men's competition, Rocks Lane won Division 1, while Harbour Club Chelsea claimed the women's title. Roehampton and Rocks Lane met in the men's final, underlining the depth of competition at the top. These results shape not only expectations but also the invitation logic for Division 1 in the coming season.
Teams that qualified for the National Finals in 2025 receive a direct invitation to Division 1 for 2026. This keeps the top tier aligned with recent performance and offers continuity for successful club sides. At the same time, other clubs remain able to join the race through the lower divisions and play-off routes.
Match format and fixture structure
During the league stage, teams face opponents within their division on scheduled match days. Each fixture consists of two matches between different pairings. Play is best of three sets, with the deciding set decided by a championship tie-break to ten points. The format emphasises squad depth and tactical flexibility, allowing clubs with several strong pairings to gain an edge.
Instead of one doubles match, two different line-ups often decide the outcome. Coaches and captains must plan their selections carefully to collect points efficiently.
Division 1 in detail
Division 1 is the premier class of the LTA Padel National League. Its composition is based on rankings and promotion and relegation from the previous year. Finalists from 2025 are automatically placed in Division 1 for 2026. In this tier, teams compete directly for a place at the National Finals on 28 and 29 November. For established clubs, Division 1 is the stage where long-term work becomes nationally visible.
Division 2 and the path upward
Division 2 begins with regional play-offs on 26 and 27 September. Winners advance to the Division 2 finals on 5 and 6 December. The champion is promoted to Division 1 for 2027, subject to any changes made by the LTA. Teams not placed in Division 1 are allocated directly to Division 2 or, depending on entries, to Division 3.
Division 3 as the entry tier
If the maximum number of teams in Division 2 is reached, additional entries are automatically placed in Division 3. Clubs not assigned to Division 1 or Division 2 also start in this class. Division 3 follows a round-robin league with home and away fixtures. Once the schedule is published, captains are responsible for arranging matches. This model encourages organisational responsibility and strengthens local club networks.
Key dates and entry window
Alongside the Division 1 finals on 28 and 29 November and the Division 2 finals on 5 and 6 December, the regional play-offs on 26 and 27 September are major milestones. Interested teams can nominate between 1 and 29 June 2026. During this period, clubs must confirm participation so the LTA can plan divisions and build the fixture calendar.
The LTA provides online guidance that explains the entry process step by step. Additional information covers how each division operates and further details about the event.
Significance for British padel
The LTA Padel National League is more than a single tournament. It structures team competition within clubs, creates recurring competitive moments across the season and links regional strength with national finals. For players, the league offers regular match practice in an official framework; for clubs, it provides a platform to develop junior and adult teams in public view.
With entries now open for 2026, the next chapter in British padel growth begins. Whether chasing a direct finals place in Division 1, progressing through play-offs in Division 2 or competing in round-robin Division 3, every team has a defined route into the competition. The coming season promises fresh duels between established top clubs and rising sides eager to earn their place in the national league.
