SIGNALS: PEOPLE, NUMBERS, AND IDEAS SHAPING BUSINESS
The BUSINESS of …
PADEL: AFTER THE BOOM COMES THE BUSINESS TEST
From empty lots to glass-walled courts, padel has created a new urban leisure economy. The question is, can the demand continue to match development pace?
A few years ago, padel was unheard of in SA. Today, its glass-walled courts occupy shopping centres, office parks, schools, and golf clubs. South Africa has emerged as the largest established padel market in Africa with a 2025 report noting an estimated 600 courts across 206 clubs.
Rapid growth, however, does not guarantee attractive returns. Court construction demands upfront capital, while rent, lighting, maintenance and staffing continue regardless of utilisation. Demand is concentrated around mornings, evenings and weekends, and attractive neighbourhoods combine spending power with higher property costs and growing competition.
A full booking sheet at 7pm can make the economics look effortless. The harder part is the empty court at 11am, when rent, lighting and staffing costs continue but no players are paying.
In South Africa, we see new players joining daily.” Mike Lumb, CEO of Africa Padel