The expansion of padel in Australia is entering a new phase with the Padel Investment Program, an initiative developed by Padel Australia and its development partner Mindspring Padel to facilitate the integration of padel courts into existing sports clubs.
The programme introduces an alternative approach to traditional infrastructure investment. The upfront capital required for the padel courts and foundations is provided through the programme, meaning participating clubs do not need to make the initial investment or borrow funds to cover these infrastructure costs. According to the programme documentation, the average cost of a padel court in Australia is currently around AUD 80,000.
In return, a revenue-sharing model based on court bookings is established and tailored to the scale and operating conditions of each venue. The objective is to enable clubs to benefit from increased participation and court utilisation while reducing the financial barrier traditionally associated with introducing new padel infrastructure.
A model focused on existing sports clubs
The initiative builds on the growing presence of padel within Australia's sporting ecosystem. Padel Australia reports that the number of courts has recorded more than 40% year-on-year growth over the past three years, while average peak-hour occupancy exceeds 85%. The organisation also reports more than 30,000 casual players nationally over the past two years.
These indicators are encouraging existing sports clubs to consider padel as a way to diversify revenue, increase venue utilisation and attract new participant demographics, including adult social players, younger users and participants coming from other racquet sports.
The programme also extends beyond infrastructure funding. Padel Australia and Mindspring Padel provide support throughout the different stages of project assessment and development, including feasibility studies, demand analysis, utilisation forecasts, financial modelling and engagement with councils and landowners.
Assessing feasibility before investment
The programme establishes an assessment process to determine whether introducing padel is appropriate for each individual venue. Factors considered include land availability and suitability, potential local demand, proximity to existing facilities, the club's operational capacity and the conditions required for court installation.
Clubs can also consider working with specialist padel operators where this could improve the financial viability of the project or reduce the operational burden on the venue.
Once the assessment and planning stages have been completed, the club remains responsible for planning approvals, procurement, construction and installation, while Padel Australia and Mindspring provide guidance and advisory support throughout the process.
Padel as a diversification tool
One of the most relevant aspects of the initiative is its focus on existing sports infrastructure. Rather than relying exclusively on the development of new dedicated padel venues, the programme seeks to integrate padel into established sporting environments.
According to Padel Australia, padel can help clubs broaden their user base and create additional revenue streams without necessarily displacing existing sporting facilities. In addition to court-booking income, clubs retain 100% of revenue generated through other activities, including equipment hire and sales, food and beverage, sponsorship, merchandise and events.
The Australian initiative therefore illustrates a model that could become increasingly relevant as padel continues its international expansion: integrating the sport into established sports clubs while developing financing mechanisms that lower the barriers to investment in new courts.
For the wider industry, these initiatives can also create new opportunities for court manufacturers, construction companies, operators and service providers by making it easier for established sports venues to add padel to their existing offer.
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