Is it worth investing in padel?

When it comes to investments, Italian entrepreneurs are very careful: Is it still worth investing in padel? It is legitimate to ask whether after years of boom the padel business Is it still as profitable as it once was and whether the sector isn't instead heading towards 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 the Sole24Ore they are impressive: padel players in the world today are 45 million of which well 8 million in EuropeIn Spain, there are 4 million players from the middle-to-upper social classes, which has 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 think of the fact that four years ago, in 2016, we only had 50 padel courts in Italy. A number that in 2020 rose to 1600, having a 800% annual growth 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 paragraph says it all: Investing in padel is convenient and profitable, today more than ever. To explain it, it is enough to make a short comparison with the profitability of a football pitch. 

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 instead about how much we can earn if we decide to launch our business in paddle. Here the spaces are decidedly limited, we are talking about 20 meters long and 10 meters wide. It's easy to calculate how many padel courts fit into a football field! Maintenance is therefore reduced—and remember that, in general, padel courts require less professional maintenance than football fields. 

The earnings 

And the prices charged? Around €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 play in 24 hours of trading? Some statistics report a profit potential of approximately €4000 per month per fieldEarnings that multiply for multi-field structures – while maintenance costs are lowered thanks to a wider amortization. In total, we are talking about over €45 per year per fieldNot to mention the additional services that can boost your 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

Making an investment in the padel business isn't the most expensive idea, although we must admit that some expenses may seem high at first glance. We've already discussed the specifics of the investment process. construction and certification of a padel court in compliance with the law. How much does the entire process cost? For a quality, long-lasting structure, compliant with padel regulations – like those built by AmaranthIdea - approximately 60 thousand euros per fieldYou may find better deals online, but we caution you: pay attention to the materials used.

A structure without adequate anti-rust treatments, with an inadequate foundation, or with low-quality roofing and glazing, compromises the value and durability of your investment. This durability can be achieved, with periodic professional maintenance, up to 3-4 years for the carpet and 20 years for the structure Overall. Remember that in just one year, thanks to the income of over €45 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 ensure you obtain a license to serve food and beverages and plan to open a bar or restaurant space in its own center.

From here, other revenues can be generated, which can only increase with targeted initiatives such as aperitifs, parties, and birthdays. Also less widespread and differentiated are the babysitting services which can be foreseen in a specific playground 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 choose to invest in padel, make sure you choosing the right suppliers for the creation of your fields. AmaranthIdea offers you padel courts with integrated covers at unbeatable prices that will save you money and gain customers: ask the specialists for information!