Tennis
When it comes to investments, Italian entrepreneurs are very careful: is investing in padel still worthwhile? It's fair to ask whether, after years of booming, the padel business is still as profitable as it once was, and whether the sector isn't instead facing overcrowding. Let's take a look at the latest data and try to understand whether investing in padel is the right business move.
Padel numbers in 2020
The numbers reported by Il Sole24Ore are impressive: there are currently 45 million padel players worldwide, 8 million of whom are in Europe . In Spain, 4 million players, from middle- to upper-class backgrounds, have increased the turnover of sports clubs that have equipped themselves with padel courts by 44%. Even in Italy, however, there is no shortage of players. Just consider the fact that four years ago, in 2016, there were only 50 padel courts in Italy. In 2020, this number rose to 1600 , with an annual growth of 800% and over 620 facilities involved.
Is the market saturated? It certainly doesn't seem so, given the parallel and superior growth in players. The confirmation is that only In the months of July – September in Rome and Milan there were over 150 thousand game reservations. Padel is a business that doesn't seem to be experiencing any crisis at the moment. The Sardinia Open, the first Italian stage of the World Padel Tour, sold out this summer, and it's not difficult to find articles quoting Luigi Carraro, president of the International Padel Federation: "Padel is addictive because it's a simple sport: you step onto the court and start playing right away. This immediacy draws people into padel quickly."
A simple game, therefore, that children and adults can approach without too much expense or great athletic preparation, at least for amateur play.
At this point, it's fair to ask whether investing in padel is truly profitable. Let's see.
Investing in padel means low costs
The title of this section says it all: investing in padel is convenient and profitable , now more than ever. To illustrate, a brief comparison with the profitability of a football pitch is sufficient.
First, let's talk about size: to build a soccer field, you need a space at least 100 meters long and 65 meters wide. That's a lot! Maintenance costs for such a large space are bound to be significant. And the rental cost? On average, €50, but up to €70 for more equipped fields. This cost must cover at least 1 hour and 45 minutes of use by at least 10 players. In short, large spaces occupied, high maintenance costs, significant usage time, and a relatively low revenue.
Let's talk about how much you can earn if you decide to launch your padel business . Space is significantly limited here, just 20 meters long and 10 meters wide. It's easy to calculate how many padel courts fit inside a football field! Maintenance is therefore minimal—and remember, in general, padel courts require less professional maintenance than football fields.
The earnings
And the prices? About €12 per player per game, so with four players, €48 per game. For a duration of 1 hour and 30 minutes. How many games can you host in 24 hours of operation? Some statistics report a potential profit of around €4000 per month per court . Earnings that multiply for multi-court structures, while maintenance costs are lowered thanks to a broader amortization period. In total, we're talking over €45 per year per court . Not to mention the additional services that can boost earnings, which we'll discuss shortly.
But how much does it cost to build a padel court? Is it worth the investment, considering the initial costs?
Investing in padel: Cost and duration of the investment
Investing in padel isn't the most expensive idea, though we must admit that some expenses may seem high at first glance. We've already discussed the construction process and certification of a padel court in accordance with the law. How much does the entire process cost? For a quality, long-lasting structure, compliant with padel regulations—like those built by AmarantoIdea — about €60 per court . You can find better deals online, but we warn you: be careful about the materials used.
A structure without adequate rust-proofing, with an inadequate foundation, or with low-quality roofing and glazing, compromises the value and longevity of your investment. With regular professional maintenance, this lifespan can reach 3-4 years for the carpet and 20 years for the entire structure . Remember that in just one year, thanks to the €45+ income mentioned above, the expense can be almost completely recouped!
But when it comes to investing in padel, you also have to take into account everything that revolves around the business of a sports center.
Earn money with padel: the sports center's activities
Every self-respecting business project has a beginning—even a small one—and a developmental stage. Investing in padel means planning from the outset how to develop all the earning potential surrounding the project. For example, as we explained in our article, it's a good idea to obtain a license to serve food and beverages and plan to open a bar or restaurant space in your center.
This can generate additional revenue, which can only increase with targeted initiatives such as happy hours, parties, and birthday parties. Babysitting services , which are also less common and unique, can be provided in a dedicated play area inside or outside the center. Your athletes, who are parents, will be thrilled! Organizing regular tournaments—perhaps on weekends—with entry fees and prizes offered by your sponsors is another potential revenue stream. In short, with a little initiative and imagination, padel can be a source of significant profits!
If you decide to invest in padel, make sure you choose the right suppliers for your court construction. AmarantoIdea offers padel courts with integrated covers at unbeatable prices, saving you money and attracting customers. Ask our specialists for more information!