Olympic gold medalist Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill has officially become a shareholder and co-owner of the Play Padel Group. Driven by her 'obsession' with the sport, she joins cricket star Joe Root in this Sheffield-based venture.

Key Takeaways

  • Olympic icon Jessica Ennis-Hill joins Play Padel Group as a co-owner.
  • She joins fellow Sheffield sporting legend Joe Root, who is already a co-owner.
  • The business is expanding with a second, larger venue at Meadowhall this autumn.

In a major move for both the sporting and business communities, Olympic heptathlon champion Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill has announced her entry as a shareholder and co-owner of the Play Padel Group. The Sheffield native's transition from athlete to entrepreneur stems from a genuine passion for the rapidly growing sport.

Ennis-Hill revealed that her involvement was organic. After discovering the club independently and becoming 'obsessed' with the game, she proactively approached the founders to discuss how she could become part of the operation. "It’s a sport for everyone—all ages, all abilities—and that’s exactly what this is about," she stated, emphasizing the inclusive nature of the club.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this partnership represents a significant trend in athlete-led entrepreneurship. By investing in the infrastructure of the sports they love, icons like Ennis-Hill are helping to transition niche sports into mainstream commercial successes, fostering local community growth in the process.

"Having two of Sheffield’s finest in Jess and Joe backing a business tells you everything about the community we are trying to create."

Ennis-Hill joins a high-profile ownership group that includes England cricket star Joe Root. Alex Fleming, Founder and CEO of Play Padel Group, noted that there was no formal deal on the table; rather, it was a shared belief in the vision that brought the champion to the table.

Historical Background

Play Padel launched its flagship venue at Abbeydale, Sheffield, in March 2025, marking the first dedicated indoor padel club in South Yorkshire. Since its inception, the club has rapidly scaled, building a community of thousands of registered players.

Did You Know?: Padel is often described as a mix between tennis and squash, played in an enclosed court which keeps the ball in play longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who else owns a stake in Play Padel?
England cricketer Joe Root is already a co-owner of the business.

2. Where is the next Play Padel location?
The group is set to open a massive second venue at Meadowhall this autumn, featuring eight indoor courts.