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Padel Club vs Franchise: Which Is Right for You?

January 8, 20269 min read

Should you build an independent padel club or buy into a franchise? Both models have real trade-offs. Here's an objective comparison with actual numbers.

The Franchise Landscape (2026)

FranchiseFeeTotal InvestmentRoyaltyMarkets

|-----------|-----|-----------------|---------|---------|

Conquer Padel$50K-$100K$1.1M-$3M5-7% revenueUAE, UK, expanding
P1 PadelVaries$500K-$2MNegotiableNordics, expanding to Middle East
World Padel Tour ClubsPartnership$800K-$2MRevenue shareSpain, LatAm

Independent vs Franchise: Side by Side

FactorIndependentFranchise

|--------|------------|-----------|

Total Investment$400K-$1.2M$800K-$3M
Startup Speed6-12 months4-8 months
Brand RecognitionBuild from zeroInstant
Operational PlaybookBuild your ownProvided
Menu/Pricing FreedomFull controlLimited
Marketing SupportDIYCentralized
Ongoing FeesNone5-7% of revenue
Exit FlexibilitySell freelyFranchise terms apply
Net Margin (Year 2)25-35%18-28%

When Franchise Makes Sense

Go franchise if:

  • You're new to sports facility management — The operational playbook alone is worth the franchise fee. Hiring, training, booking systems, maintenance schedules — it's all documented.
  • You want faster launch — Franchise systems have pre-negotiated supplier deals, standardized layouts, and established vendor relationships. This can shave 2-4 months off launch.
  • Your market values brands — In markets like UAE and UK where brand-conscious consumers drive decisions, franchise recognition reduces customer acquisition cost.

    • When Independent Makes Sense

    Go independent if:

  • You have sports/hospitality experience — If you've run gyms, restaurants, or sports facilities, you already know operations. The franchise playbook adds less value.
  • You want maximum margins — Eliminating the 5-7% royalty fee on a $70K/month revenue club saves $42K-$59K per year. Over 5 years, that's $210K-$295K.
  • You want full control — Menu, pricing, brand, partnerships, expansion decisions. Franchise agreements restrict all of these to varying degrees.
  • Your budget is under $800K — Most franchise minimums exceed $800K total investment. Independent clubs can launch at $400K-$600K.

    • The Numbers

    On a 6-court club doing $70K/month revenue:

    Independent Club

  • Gross revenue: $840K/year
  • Franchise fees: $0
  • Net margin (Year 2): ~30% = $252K profit

    • Franchise Club

  • Gross revenue: $840K/year
  • Franchise royalty (6%): -$50K
  • Marketing fund (2%): -$17K
  • Net margin (Year 2): ~22% = $185K profit

    • Difference: $67K/year in favor of independent — but the franchise club may reach profitability 3-6 months faster and with lower operational risk.

    Our Recommendation

    For most first-time padel club founders, we recommend starting independent with a solid launch blueprint. The padel operations model is simpler than restaurant or hotel operations — 60-70% of revenue comes from hourly court bookings with predictable demand patterns. Save the franchise fee and invest it in better courts, better location, or more working capital.

    If your total budget exceeds $1.5M and you want minimal operational involvement (investor model), a franchise provides plug-and-play operations that justify the premium.

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