Padel power

Padel tennis is one of the fastest-growing sports globally, evolving from a niche activity into a mainstream phenomenon. This rise brings immense commercial opportunities for businesses and developers, particularly those who recognise the sport’s potential to be more than just a game.

Padel’s appeal as a fast-paced, accessible, and highly social sport makes it an ideal platform for creating community-driven, profitable spaces.

Dubai: a model of success
In Dubai, padel is treated as part of a larger lifestyle offering, and venues are strategically designed to maximise their commercial potential. A prime example is Padel Pro, where the sport is embedded within a sophisticated setting that includes cafes, bars, and lounges.

This integration transforms the venue into more than just a sports facility: it is a destination where people come to socialise and enjoy leisure activities. By offering these additional services, the venue taps into multiple revenue streams, turning padel into a draw for both players and non-players.

This model capitalises on consumers’ growing desire for experiential activities. By creating an environment where the sport is part of a broader social experience, venues like Padel Pro appeal to a wider audience. The result is longer visits, increased spending, and higher customer retention. Moreover, this approach opens the door to partnerships with hospitality, retail, and wellness brands, further enhancing the venue’s appeal and profitability.

Another standout example in Dubai is Matcha Padel, a venue that combines padel with a Japanese tea bar. The fusion of sport and wellness here exemplifies how padel can be more than just a game—it becomes part of a holistic experience. Matcha Padel draws in health-conscious consumers who are not only interested in playing but also in enjoying a social and wellness-oriented atmosphere. This innovative approach highlights the potential for creative partnerships and diversified offerings that cater to a broader audience.

UK: slower to embrace the opportunity.
Venues such as Smash Padel in Bicester, while providing excellent padel facilities, are limited in scope. Located on the outskirts of town, these venues focus primarily on the sport itself, offering few, if any, additional services like cafes or social spaces. The lack of integrated amenities limits the ability to create a broader customer experience and, as a result, reduces the commercial potential of these venues.

A significant challenge in expanding the commercial potential of padel lies in accessibility and location. In Dubai, venues like Padel Pro and Matcha Padel are centrally located and integrated into the city’s lifestyle, making it easy for people to drop in, play, and enjoy the surrounding amenities. In contrast, UK padel venues are often situated in remote areas or as part of larger gyms and tennis clubs, limiting their appeal to a wider, more casual audience.

The strategic placement of padel courts in high-traffic, urban locations could significantly boost participation and profitability.

Padel’s rapid rise presents a unique commercial opportunity for businesses and developers. The sport’s appeal lies not only in its accessibility and social nature but also in its ability to draw diverse audiences when integrated into a larger lifestyle experience. Dubai has set a high standard with venues like Padel Pro and Matcha Padel, where padel is part of a broader commercial offering that includes wellness, dining, and social spaces. In contrast, the UK’s functional approach to padel limits the sport’s potential by not fully embracing its capacity to generate multiple revenue streams. The rise of padel presents a significant commercial opportunity, with its full potential best realised through strategic integration into broader lifestyle offerings.

Diya Iravane