Is a Padel Court Worth Investing In?

This article was written by our expert who is surveying the industry and constantly updating the business plan for a padel center.

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The Dojo Business Team

A team of financial experts, consultants, and writers

We're a team of finance experts, consultants, market analysts, and specialized writers dedicated to helping new entrepreneurs launch their businesses. We help you avoid costly mistakes by providing detailed business plans, accurate market studies, and reliable financial forecasts to maximize your chances of success from day one—especially in the padel center market.

What does it cost to build a padel court in Southeast Asia, including land preparation and permits?

Building a single outdoor padel court in Southeast Asia costs between $38,000 and $76,000, with the range depending on location, materials, and site conditions.

The construction budget for a padel center breaks down into several major components. Foundation and land preparation typically account for 30–40% of the total cost, which means you should expect to spend $11,400 to $30,400 just on site preparation, grading, drainage, and earthworks. In areas like Bali or Thailand where the ground may be uneven or require additional stabilization, these costs trend toward the higher end.

Court materials and installation make up the remaining 60–70% of the budget. This includes the artificial turf surface (the most common choice in tropical climates), tempered glass walls (10mm–12mm thickness for safety), galvanized steel mesh fencing, and LED lighting systems. Higher-quality materials from European manufacturers can push costs toward $76,000, while sourcing from Chinese manufacturers or using locally available materials can keep costs closer to $38,000.

Permit fees vary significantly by location. In Indonesia, you'll need to obtain a building permit (IMB), comply with local zoning regulations for sports and recreation facilities, and potentially submit an environmental assessment (AMDAL) if you're building a larger complex with multiple courts. These permits can add $2,000 to $8,000 to your project budget. In Thailand and Vietnam, permit costs are generally lower but still require careful navigation of local regulations.

Indoor courts cost 50–80% more than outdoor courts due to the need for structural roofing, climate control systems, and enhanced lighting, bringing the total to approximately $68,000 to $136,000 per court.

You'll find detailed market insights in our padel center business plan, updated every quarter.

How much does it cost each year to maintain a padel court, and how often do you need to replace the surface or equipment?

Annual maintenance for a single padel court in Southeast Asia runs between $1,000 and $5,000, with resurfacing required every 4–6 years at a cost of $5,000 to $10,000.

Routine maintenance includes weekly cleaning of the artificial turf, monthly inspection of glass panels and mesh fencing, and quarterly checks of lighting systems and drainage. In tropical climates like Bali and Thailand, you'll need more frequent cleaning due to humidity, dust, and organic debris. Labor costs in Southeast Asia are relatively low, which keeps annual maintenance expenses toward the lower end of the range compared to European or North American facilities.

The artificial turf surface is the most significant maintenance expense over time. With proper care, quality turf lasts 4–6 years before it needs complete replacement. Factors that affect turf lifespan include usage intensity (a court with 40 hours of weekly play will wear faster than one with 25 hours), climate conditions (excessive heat and UV exposure degrade fibers), and maintenance quality. The $5,000 to $10,000 replacement cost includes removal of old turf, surface preparation, and installation of new material.

Glass panels and metal structures require minimal intervention but should be inspected regularly for cracks, rust, or structural weakness. Tempered glass is extremely durable and rarely needs replacement unless damaged by impact. LED lighting systems typically last 30,000 to 50,000 hours before bulb replacement becomes necessary, which translates to 5–8 years of normal use.

Equipment inventory for a padel center includes rackets, balls, and safety gear for rental. Club-quality rackets need replacement every 6–18 months depending on usage intensity, with each racket costing $50 to $150. Padel balls lose pressure after 2–3 hours of play and should be replaced regularly to maintain playing standards. Budget approximately $500 to $1,500 annually per court for equipment replacement.

What revenue can you realistically expect per hour, and how many hours can you book each week?

Padel courts in Southeast Asian urban centers and tourist hubs generate $18 to $48 per hour depending on time of day, with realistic weekly utilization ranging from 25 to 40 hours per court.

Peak-hour pricing (weekday evenings from 6 PM to 10 PM and weekend mornings) commands $28 to $48 per hour in markets like Bangkok, Bali, and Singapore. These time slots consistently sell out at well-managed facilities because they align with when working professionals and tourists are available to play. Off-peak hours (weekday mornings and early afternoons) typically generate $18 to $30 per hour but are harder to fill consistently.

Weekly utilization of 25–40 hours represents 35–50% of total available time. A court operating 12 hours daily, seven days per week, offers 84 potential booking hours. Achieving 40 hours of actual bookings means you're running at approximately 48% capacity, which is considered strong performance in the padel industry. New facilities typically start at 15–20 hours weekly and build toward 30–40 hours over 6–12 months as awareness grows and regular players establish routines.

Revenue optimization strategies include dynamic pricing (higher rates during peak demand), membership packages that guarantee revenue even during slow periods, and league or tournament bookings that fill multiple consecutive hours. Some successful Southeast Asian padel centers have implemented mobile app booking systems that make it easier for players to reserve courts and automatically adjust pricing based on demand.

Multi-court facilities benefit from economies of scale and higher total revenue. A three-court facility operating at 35 hours per week per court at an average rate of $30 per hour generates approximately $3,150 weekly or $163,800 annually per court, while shared operational costs reduce per-court overhead.

What kind of return on investment and payback period can you expect from a padel center?

This is one of the strategies explained in our padel center business plan.

Is padel demand in Southeast Asia still growing, or is the market becoming saturated?

Padel demand in Southeast Asia is in rapid expansion phase with no signs of saturation, particularly in Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia.

The Southeast Asian padel market is experiencing what industry analysts describe as early-stage growth. New courts and clubs are opening across major cities and tourist destinations, driven by expatriate communities, traveling Europeans and Latin Americans (where padel is already popular), and young urban professionals discovering the sport. Bali alone has seen a 300% increase in padel facilities between 2023 and 2025, yet demand continues to outpace supply during peak hours.

Market indicators point to sustained growth rather than saturation. Google search trends for "padel" and "padel courts" in Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam have increased by 150–250% year-over-year. Social media engagement around padel content in Southeast Asian markets is accelerating, with local influencers and sports personalities promoting the sport. Equipment retailers report strong sales growth for rackets and balls, suggesting an expanding player base rather than just existing players buying replacements.

Geographic penetration remains low outside major urban centers. While Bangkok, Singapore, and Bali have multiple facilities, secondary cities and provincial areas are largely untapped. This creates opportunity for first-movers in markets like Chiang Mai, Phuket, Da Nang, Kuala Lumpur suburbs, and regional Indonesian cities. The sport's social nature and relatively easy learning curve make it appealing to a broad demographic, from serious athletes to casual recreational players.

Regional comparisons suggest Southeast Asia is 5–7 years behind Europe in padel adoption curve. Spain, which experienced explosive padel growth between 2015 and 2023, still hasn't reached market saturation despite having over 20,000 courts. Southeast Asia currently has fewer than 500 courts across the entire region, indicating substantial room for growth before approaching equilibrium between supply and demand.

Competition risk is low for well-executed projects. The current challenge isn't too many courts—it's too few quality facilities with proper management, marketing, and player experience. Operators who invest in professional-grade courts, create community through leagues and events, and maintain high service standards are experiencing waiting lists and premium pricing power.

What are the main ongoing costs of running a padel center beyond construction?

Operational expenses for a padel center include staffing ($2,500–$10,000 monthly), utilities ($1,500–$3,000 monthly), insurance ($3,000–$10,000 annually), and court maintenance ($800–$2,000 monthly).

Staffing represents the largest ongoing expense for most padel centers. A facility with 2–4 courts typically requires 3–5 employees covering reception, booking management, basic maintenance, and part-time coaching. In Southeast Asian markets, labor costs are relatively affordable compared to Western countries. A front desk manager might earn $800–$1,500 monthly, maintenance staff $500–$900 monthly, and part-time coaches $15–$30 per hour. Multi-court facilities can achieve better staff efficiency by covering more courts with the same team.

Utility costs vary dramatically between outdoor and indoor facilities. Outdoor courts primarily incur electricity expenses for lighting (evenings and night play) and water for periodic turf cleaning, totaling $300–$800 monthly. Indoor facilities require air conditioning, which in tropical climates can cost $2,000–$4,000 monthly depending on court size and climate control standards. LED lighting for night play adds $200–$500 monthly to electricity bills for outdoor courts operating 4–6 hours after sunset.

Insurance coverage protects against liability claims from player injuries, property damage, and business interruption. In Southeast Asian markets, comprehensive sports facility insurance costs $3,000–$10,000 annually depending on coverage limits, number of courts, and claims history. Some jurisdictions require minimum liability coverage as a condition of operating permits, while additional umbrella policies provide extra protection for high-traffic facilities.

Routine court maintenance includes daily surface cleaning, weekly inspection of nets and posts, monthly check of glass and fencing, and quarterly professional deep cleaning. Outsourcing maintenance to specialized contractors costs $800–$1,500 monthly per court, while in-house maintenance with dedicated staff can reduce costs to $500–$1,000 monthly but requires proper training and equipment investment.

Marketing and booking system costs range from $300 to $1,500 monthly. Digital booking platforms charge subscription fees of $50–$200 monthly but significantly improve customer experience and booking efficiency. Social media advertising, Google Ads, and local partnerships require ongoing budget allocation of $250–$1,000 monthly to maintain visibility and attract new players.

How long does a padel court last before you need major renovations?

A properly maintained padel court structure lasts 15–20 years before major renovation becomes necessary, though surface and equipment components require replacement every 4–6 years.

The structural elements of a padel court—the steel frame, glass panels, and concrete foundation—are built to last decades with minimal intervention. Galvanized steel framing resists corrosion even in humid tropical environments, while tempered glass panels maintain structural integrity indefinitely unless physically damaged. The concrete foundation, if properly installed with adequate drainage, experiences minimal degradation over time.

Artificial turf is the first major component requiring replacement. Quality turf installed with proper infill and drainage lasts 4–6 years under normal use (30–40 hours weekly). Heavy use (50+ hours weekly) or inadequate maintenance can reduce lifespan to 3–4 years. Climate factors matter significantly: excessive UV exposure, high humidity, and poor drainage accelerate degradation. The $5,000–$10,000 resurfacing cost represents a planned capital expense that should be budgeted from day one.

Lighting systems require attention every 5–8 years. LED fixtures have largely replaced traditional metal halide lighting due to superior energy efficiency and longer lifespan. Quality LED systems provide 30,000–50,000 hours of operation before brightness degrades to unacceptable levels. For courts operating 4 hours nightly, this translates to 7–10 years of reliable service before replacement becomes necessary.

Glass panel replacement is rare but expensive when needed. Tempered glass can last 20+ years but may require replacement if cracked by impact or if newer safety standards mandate upgraded materials. Each glass panel costs $500–$1,200 to replace including installation. Mesh fencing on the upper sections of court walls lasts 10–15 years before rust or structural wear necessitates replacement.

Preventive maintenance dramatically extends component lifespan. Regular cleaning removes abrasive particles that accelerate turf wear. Prompt repair of minor damage prevents escalation into major problems. Facilities that implement professional maintenance schedules consistently achieve the upper end of expected lifespan ranges for all components.

What licenses and regulations do you need to comply with to operate a padel facility?

Operating a padel center in Southeast Asia requires building permits, business licenses, sports facility certifications, and compliance with local safety and zoning regulations.

In Indonesia, the primary legal requirement is obtaining a building permit (IMB - Izin Mendirikan Bangunan) from the local government. This permit confirms that your facility design meets structural safety standards and complies with land use zoning. Sports and recreation facilities must be located in areas zoned for commercial or mixed-use development. The IMB application process typically takes 2–4 months and costs $1,000–$4,000 depending on facility size and location.

Environmental assessment may be required for larger developments. An AMDAL (Analisis Mengenai Dampak Lingkungan) is mandatory for facilities that significantly alter land use or potentially impact surrounding areas. A multi-court complex with parking, food service, and evening lighting might trigger AMDAL requirements, adding $3,000–$8,000 to pre-construction costs and 1–3 months to the approval timeline. Smaller single-court projects often qualify for simplified environmental documentation.

Business operating licenses vary by country and municipality. In Thailand, you'll need a commercial registration certificate and specific permits for sports facility operation. Vietnam requires business registration with the Department of Planning and Investment plus approval from local sports authorities. These licenses typically cost $500–$2,000 and require annual renewal with modest fees of $100–$500.

Safety standards and technical specifications follow international guidelines. The International Padel Federation (FIP) publishes official court dimensions and safety requirements that have become industry standards. Glass panels must be tempered safety glass of 10mm–12mm thickness. Fencing must have appropriate mesh size to prevent entrapment hazards. Lighting must provide minimum illumination levels (typically 300–500 lux) without creating glare issues. Meeting these standards protects against liability claims and ensures player safety.

Insurance and liability coverage is essential even where not legally mandated. Comprehensive general liability insurance protects against claims from player injuries, spectator accidents, and property damage. Professional indemnity coverage is advisable if you offer coaching services. Some locations require minimum insurance coverage as a condition of operating permits, while others leave insurance as a business decision—but operating without coverage exposes you to potentially catastrophic financial risk.

We cover this exact topic in the padel center business plan.

What competition already exists in the Southeast Asian padel market and how are these facilities performing?

Leading padel facilities in Bali, Bangkok, Singapore, and urban Vietnam are reporting strong occupancy rates and healthy financial performance, with most operating at 60–80% capacity during peak periods.

Major markets show varying levels of competition. Singapore has 8–12 established padel facilities serving a population of 5.9 million, translating to approximately one facility per 500,000–700,000 people. Bangkok has 15–20 facilities across the metropolitan area (population 10+ million), while Bali's tourist-heavy market supports 10–15 facilities despite a smaller resident population. These facilities are performing well financially, with the most successful locations reporting monthly revenue of $8,000–$15,000 per court.

Competitive positioning strategies among successful facilities include location advantage (proximity to affluent residential areas or tourist zones), superior court quality (professional-grade surfaces and equipment), strong community building (regular leagues, tournaments, and social events), and complementary services (coaching programs, pro shops, food and beverage). Facilities that treat padel as just "another court" with minimal service differentiation struggle to command premium pricing and build loyal customer bases.

Financial performance benchmarks from established Southeast Asian facilities show gross margins of 50–65% for well-managed operations. The most profitable facilities generate $12,000–$18,000 monthly revenue per court with operating expenses of $5,000–$7,000, yielding $7,000–$11,000 monthly net operating income per court. Multi-court facilities benefit from shared overhead costs, improving overall profitability.

Market gaps remain substantial. Secondary cities and tourist destinations outside major hubs have little to no padel infrastructure. Even in established markets like Bangkok and Bali, demand during peak hours exceeds supply, with players booking 1–2 weeks in advance for prime time slots. This indicates room for additional facilities in already-developed markets, let alone untapped regions.

Failure risk exists primarily for poorly executed projects. Facilities that cut costs on court quality, choose poor locations (insufficient parking, difficult access), neglect marketing and community building, or lack proper management expertise struggle to achieve viable utilization rates. However, these failures create opportunities for well-capitalized, professionally managed entrants to capture underserved markets.

What pricing strategy keeps a padel center profitable while remaining competitive?

Minimum viable pricing for padel court rentals is $18–$25 per hour for off-peak times and $28–$45 for peak hours, with monthly memberships ranging from $80 to $180.

Off-peak pricing strategy balances accessibility with revenue generation. Setting rates at $18–$25 per hour for weekday mornings and early afternoons attracts retirees, shift workers, and serious players seeking practice time. While these hours generate lower per-hour revenue than peak times, filling them contributes to covering fixed costs and builds community among regular players. Some facilities offer "happy hour" pricing at $15–$20 for the slowest time slots (typically 10 AM–2 PM weekdays) to drive incremental usage.

Peak-hour pricing reflects supply-demand dynamics. Weekday evenings (6 PM–10 PM) and weekend mornings (8 AM–12 PM) command $28–$48 per hour because working professionals compete for limited available slots. Premium locations in Bangkok or Singapore can charge toward the higher end, while facilities in secondary markets price more conservatively. Dynamic pricing—adjusting rates based on real-time demand—helps maximize revenue without permanently alienating price-sensitive customers.

Membership models provide revenue predictability and customer retention. Monthly unlimited off-peak memberships at $80–$120 appeal to frequent players and guarantee base revenue even during slow periods. Mid-tier memberships offering 8–12 peak-hour bookings monthly at $140–$200 provide convenience and modest savings compared to pay-per-play. Premium unlimited memberships at $180–$280 monthly attract serious players and generate high-value, low-overhead revenue.

Break-even analysis indicates that a single court must generate minimum weekly revenue of $600–$900 to cover direct operating costs (utilities, maintenance, proportional staffing) and contribute to fixed costs (facility debt service, insurance, management). At an average rate of $30 per hour, this requires 20–30 hours of weekly utilization. Facilities operating below this threshold either lose money or rely on supplementary revenue streams to remain viable.

Competitive pricing research should be conducted quarterly. Mystery shopping competitor facilities, monitoring online booking platforms, and surveying customers about price sensitivity help optimize your pricing strategy. Being the most expensive option in a market requires justification through superior quality, location, or service. Being the cheapest may fill courts but leaves profit potential unrealized and can create a low-quality brand perception.

What financing options exist for building a padel court, and how do lenders view this investment?

• Traditional bank loans: Commercial banks in Southeast Asia offer business loans with 5–10 year terms at interest rates of 6–12% depending on borrower creditworthiness and collateral. Banks typically require 20–40% down payment and view single-court projects as higher-risk investments due to single-point failure risk. Multi-court developments with diversified revenue streams receive more favorable terms and lower interest rates in the 6–8% range.
• Equipment leasing and financing: Specialized sports equipment suppliers and court manufacturers offer leasing arrangements that reduce upfront capital requirements. These arrangements typically structure payments over 3–7 years with interest rates of 8–15%. Leasing preserves working capital for operational expenses but results in higher total cost compared to outright purchase. Some manufacturers offer lease-to-own structures that provide ownership after completion of payment schedule.
• Private investors and partnerships: Angel investors and private equity groups interested in the growing padel market may provide capital in exchange for equity ownership or profit-sharing arrangements. These partnerships can provide not just funding but also business expertise, network connections, and operational support. Equity investors typically seek 15–30% annual returns and may require significant ownership stakes (30–49%) in exchange for capital.
• Government grants and sports development programs: Some Southeast Asian governments offer grants or subsidized loans for sports facility development as part of public health and tourism initiatives. These programs have specific eligibility requirements (often favoring projects with public access components) and competitive application processes. Grant amounts rarely cover full project costs but can provide 10–30% of required capital with favorable terms.
• Crowdfunding and community investment: Local community members and padel enthusiasts can be tapped as small-scale investors through crowdfunding platforms or direct investment offerings. This approach works best when you have existing community connections and can demonstrate market demand. Individual investment minimums of $1,000–$10,000 make participation accessible while raising meaningful capital. This strategy also creates built-in customers who have financial incentive to promote and use the facility.

It's a key part of what we outline in the padel center business plan.

What additional revenue streams can increase profitability beyond court rentals?

Successful padel centers generate 25–45% of total revenue from coaching, equipment sales, food and beverage, tournaments, and corporate partnerships.

Coaching and clinics represent the highest-margin supplementary revenue. Private lessons command $30–$60 per hour, with the facility capturing $10–$25 after paying the coach. Group clinics for 4–8 players generate $15–$25 per person with better coach utilization and efficiency. A single coach conducting 20 hours of weekly lessons generates $400–$1,000 weekly revenue for the facility. Structured programs for beginners, intermediate, and advanced players create recurring revenue and improve player retention.

Equipment rental and retail sales provide steady income with minimal overhead. Racket rentals at $5–$10 per session serve beginners and tourists who don't own equipment. Retail sales of rackets ($80–$250), balls ($5–$8 per can), bags, grips, and apparel generate 15–25% profit margins. Partnering with equipment brands for consignment arrangements reduces inventory risk while maintaining product availability. Facilities with strong retail programs add $1,000–$3,000 monthly per court to revenue.

Tournament and league fees create high-value revenue spikes. Weekend tournaments with 16–32 participants at $40–$80 entry fees generate $640–$2,560 per event with modest prize costs. Regular weekly leagues with season fees of $100–$200 per player fill courts during traditionally slow periods and build community loyalty. Corporate tournaments targeting companies for team-building events command premium pricing of $500–$1,500 per event plus court rental fees.

Food and beverage service adds margin and enhances customer experience. A simple café or snack bar generates $3,000–$8,000 monthly revenue depending on traffic volume and menu sophistication. Players appreciate convenient refreshment options between matches, and food service creates additional dwell time that can lead to extended court bookings or retail purchases. Outsourcing to experienced food operators reduces management burden while capturing percentage of revenue through concession agreements.

Facility sponsorships and partnerships with brands create passive income. Court naming rights, equipment sponsorships, and branded merchandise partnerships can generate $5,000–$20,000 annually from companies seeking access to the affluent, active demographic that plays padel. Digital advertising on booking apps and social media channels provides additional partnership opportunities with local businesses.

Conclusion

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We accept no liability for any actions taken based on the information provided.