Open a padel club From the first idea to the first match.
Steps, costs, space and permits on one page – plus what most guides leave out: how the club runs after opening day.
Opening an indoor padel club usually takes 9 to 18 months from idea to first match, outdoor courts 6 to 12 months. In Germany a court in an existing hall costs about €23,000 to €58,000 net, a turnkey outdoor court about €45,000 to €110,000. The biggest levers are location, permits (above all noise) and running costs once you're open.
Seven steps to your own padel club
- 01
Check demand and location
2–6 weeks
Are there courts within a 20-minute drive, and how full are they at prime time? Access, parking and distance to housing matter – the last one decides your permit later.
- 02
Secure land or a hall
1–3 months
Plan for about 550 to 600 m² of land per court including paths and parking. For halls, clear height counts: at least 6 metres over the whole court. A preliminary planning enquiry tells you early whether the project is allowed there at all.
- 03
Business plan and financing
1–2 months
Construction costs, running costs, realistic utilisation and hourly prices. Plan with 40% utilisation rather than 70%. Ask your regional sports federation and the municipality about funding.
- 04
Permit and noise assessment
2–6 months
Courts with floodlights, glass walls or a roof usually need a building permit. In Germany authorities often ask for a noise assessment under the sports facility noise regulation (18. BImSchV).
- 05
Build the courts
4–8 weeks per court
With prepared ground, assembly takes only 4 to 5 days per court. Most of the time goes into foundations, drainage and lead times.
- 06
Set up operations
2–4 weeks
Booking system, online payment, peak and off-peak prices, door access, lighting control, house rules and terms. This is where you decide whether the club needs staff.
- 07
Open and fill the courts
ongoing
Open matches, taster courses and a first tournament bring players together. A Google Business Profile and your own booking page make you easy to find.
How much does a padel club cost?
Guide values per court in Germany, net, as of 2026. Only quotes from court builders for your site are binding.
| Item | Range | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Court in an existing hall | €23,000–58,000 | hall not included |
| Turnkey outdoor court | €45,000–110,000 | incl. foundation and assembly |
| Steel and glass structure | €15,600–27,600 | the court itself |
| Foundation and drainage | often around €30,000 | depends heavily on the ground |
| Artificial turf | €3,800–9,400 | replaced after a few years |
| LED floodlights | €1,800–6,900 | per court |
| Permanent hall structure | from approx. €199,000 | for two courts, roof system only |
More courts cost less per court: two courts cost about 94%, four about 88% of the single-court price.
Software is the smallest item: grove courts costs €129 a month for two courts, with no commission on bookings. See pricing →
Space and hall
| What | Value |
|---|---|
| Playing area | 20 × 10 m (200 m²) |
| Footprint per court incl. structure | approx. 22 × 12 m |
| Comfortable with walkways | approx. 26 × 16 m |
| Land per court incl. paths and parking | approx. 550–600 m² |
| Clear height indoors | at least 6 m, 8 m recommended |
Permits and noise
Whether you need a building permit depends on local building law – in Germany, on your federal state. With floodlights, glass and steel structures or a roof you almost always do.
The zoning plan decides a lot: commercial areas allow more noise than residential ones, and undeveloped outer areas are much harder. Authorities often ask for a noise assessment; in Germany under the 18. BImSchV. Floodlights add questions about glare and light spill.
Inside a closed hall noise is usually the smaller problem, which makes existing buildings such as old tennis halls or warehouses worth a look. This page is not legal advice – talk to your planning office early.
After opening day: with or without staff?
Industry guide values put running costs at 40 to 50% of revenue – staff, maintenance, energy, insurance and rent. For a small club, the front desk is the biggest single item.
Book and pay online
Players book around the clock and pay before they play. No cash, no open invoices.
Door code instead of keys
After payment players get a code that only works in their slot. The door needs nobody on site.
Lights switch automatically
Court lights go on for the slot and off afterwards. You don't pay for lighting empty courts.
Players find partners
Open matches fill quiet hours without anyone organising groups.
That's how oak padel in Aichach runs: two courts, no front desk. The details are on the unmanned padel club page. See the unmanned padel club →
Economics: guide values
| Metric | Guide value |
|---|---|
| Price per court and hour, commercial hall (Germany) | €28–32 |
| Price per court and hour, sports club (Germany) | €12–15 |
| Utilisation of established clubs | 40–55% |
| Utilisation at prime time | 60–70% |
| Payback | usually 3–5 years |
Industry guide values, not oak padel's numbers. Plan with your own assumptions – and a buffer.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a padel court cost?
In Germany about €23,000 to €58,000 net per court in an existing hall, and about €45,000 to €110,000 for a turnkey outdoor court. More courts cost less per court (as of 2026).
How long does it take to open a padel club?
Usually 9 to 18 months from idea to opening for an indoor club, 6 to 12 months for outdoor courts. The permit is the biggest unknown.
Do I need planning permission for a padel court?
Usually yes, especially with floodlights, glass walls or a roof. In Germany the rules come from state building law, and a noise assessment under the 18. BImSchV is often required.
How high does a padel hall need to be?
At least 6 metres of clear height over the whole court; 8 metres is recommended for new halls.
Can a padel club run without staff?
Yes. With online booking, payment, door codes and automatic lights the club runs without a front desk. On site you only need cleaning and maintenance.
Let's talk about your club.
A 30-minute demo: we show you oak padel live and work out your price.