Padel has grown rapidly worldwide because of its simplicity. The smaller court, enclosed walls, and doubles format make it easy for beginners to enjoy competitive rallies almost immediately. Unlike tennis, where technique takes time to master, padel rewards instinct and teamwork. This accessibility has fueled its popularity in Europe, Latin America, and now Africa.
Here are some figures (depending on locations).
The real price of building a court
Despite its approachable gameplay, padel courts are expensive to construct. According to industry reports, the cost of building a single court in 2025 ranges from €40,000 to €60,000 depending on design, materials, and location. Panoramic models, which are favored for professional venues, can exceed €100,000 when factoring in lighting, turf, and installation. Factors driving these costs include:
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specialized glass walls: reinforced panels that withstand impact.
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steel structures: durable frames to support enclosed play.
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professional turf: surfaces designed for bounce consistency and injury prevention.
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lighting systems: essential for evening play, often the most expensive add-on. Sources:
Accessibility challenges
High construction costs translate into expensive club memberships and hourly rental fees. In many cities, padel remains a sport for affluent players or exclusive clubs. This limits its reach compared to football or basketball, which require minimal infrastructure. Industry experts argue that without affordable facilities, padel risks stagnating despite its popularity. As one report noted, “The biggest barrier to padel’s growth is court access”.
Paths toward affordability
Innovations are emerging to reduce costs. Portable padel kits, priced around €5,000 to €10,000, allow temporary installations in gyms or outdoor spaces. Municipalities in Spain and Italy have also begun subsidizing public courts, recognizing padel’s social and health benefits. Some clubs experiment with shared ownership models, where groups of players invest collectively in building a court. This approach lowers individual costs and fosters community engagement.
The future of padel accessibility
For padel to truly become a global sport, the challenge lies not in teaching people how to play but in ensuring they have a place to play. Lower-cost construction methods, public investment, and creative ownership models could transform padel from a niche pastime into a widely accessible activity.
