Padel can open new target groups for clubs.
When tennis and sports clubs build a padel court, it can be a powerful way to attract members, reach younger and mixed groups, and increase court utilization. Whether construction is financially and legally suitable for the club depends on the available space, funding programme, articles of association, operating model and local demand.
Funding rates, member effects and utilization are planning values and must be checked by federal state and club. View methodology and limits.
Funding a padel court: routes clubs should explore.
In most federal states, padel court funding is administered through the state sports federation or municipal sports-facility programmes and is aimed primarily at non-profit clubs. Applications usually have to be submitted before construction starts. The following table provides initial guidance, not a funding decision. Funding rates, programmes, deadlines and eligibility change and must be confirmed directly with the relevant sports federation or funding body before applying.
| Federal state | Programme | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Brandenburg | LSB sports-facilities construction | up to 80% |
| NRW | Sports-facility funding | up to 75% |
| Lower Saxony | LSB investment plan | up to 65% |
| Hessen | Sports-facility construction funding | up to 60% |
| Baden-Württemberg | WLSB / BSB programme | up to 33% |
| Bavaria | BLSV sports-facility construction funding | 20 to 55% |
Depending on the project, accessibility, LEADER programmes in rural areas or municipal funding pots may also be relevant. The exact rate depends on club age, member count, equity share, concept, deadline and eligibility.
1 tennis court can become 2 padel courts.
A tennis court measures roughly 36 × 18 m. Depending on margins, access, drainage and safety areas, it can become a padel setup with one or two courts. The space advantage is attractive, but should be planned cleanly both technically and within the club.
- check_circleCheck the existing base. A clay court generally requires complete replacement, while sand-filled artificial turf and hard courts may be partially reusable. In the free initial assessment, we provide an initial view based on your existing courts.
- check_circleInvolve the members’ meeting early. Tennis-club conversion is emotional. The success formula: position padel as an addition, not a replacement. Trial sessions before the vote.
- check_circlePreserve non-profit status. Padel can be integrated into the club as a sports offering. External rental, revenue shares and statutes should be clarified upfront with tax advisers and the association.
- check_circleLighting and booking system. Padel is often evening-heavy. LED lighting and a booking system such as Playtomic, Eversports or similar are therefore usually required for predictable utilization.
- check_circleCoach with padel licence. The DTB has offered the A padel licence since 2024. One licensed coach per club is enough for the initial phase.
Demographics and share of women change.
We review your club site together.
We discuss the conversion of your tennis court, suitable funding routes in your federal state, the likely permit path and the best approach for the members' meeting. Send us your membership figures, federal state and a rough site plan. If requested, we can introduce your club to up to three vetted court construction partners free of charge.
100% free and without obligation · response within 48 hours
fact_check Check permits firstAll cost, space and financial figures on this page are indicative, for initial guidance and not guaranteed. They do not replace a formal quote, professional planning or legal advice. View methodology and sources.