We often hear that padel is a “rich man's sport“. Between the rental of the courts and the price of the equipment, the amount at the end can quickly become high. But what you also need to know is that padel is one of those outdoor sports where VAT is always at 20%.

At the end of Paris Games Week, the President of the Republic, Emmanuel Macron, recalled a reduction in VAT on ticketing for E-Sport events. A reduction from which equestrian centers have also just benefited. This decision does not go down well with everyone. If the initiative is good, many consider it unfair. Indeed, fitness, climbing, 5-a-side football, or even padel are still taxed at 20%.

A collective uprising

Following this announcement, Union Sport & Cycle immediately stepped up to the plate. Last November 6, a column was posted on their site, the organization becoming the spokesperson for more than 7.000 establishments. It brings together the commercial sports leisure sector (gyms, fitness, yoga), indoor and outdoor sports activities (five-a-side football, climbing, tennis, padel, swimming pools and ice rinks under public service delegation).

In this forum, the federation highlights the feeling of injustice it feels after this government decision. In total, 17 million people pass through these establishments. A number which could increase if VAT were lower, according to the Union Sport & Cycle. Especially since in the forum, the latter affirms that: “several European states already grant a reduced VAT rate to commercial sporting activities. "

DIFFERENT SPORTS VAT RATES IN FRANCE

In addition, the federation adds that the planned increase in the number of practitioners induced by the reduction in VAT would lead to a reduction in health expenditure. Today, the cost of physical inactivity in France is rising more than 140 billion euros per year. Still according to the Union Sport & Cycle, an increase in the number of regular practitioners of 10% would save 300 million euros per year.

The possible impact for padel

In this forum, several padel franchises joined in this speech: Casa Padel, PadelShot and 4Padel.

In France, padel is no longer really an emerging sport. The FFT counts 113 padel players among all of its licensees in 2023, including 28 licensees having subscribed exclusively to the padel license. A reduction in VAT, which could lead to a reduction in tariffs (and still not so certain), could contribute to a new increase in the number of players in France. Because we know that padel is a sport that attracts a lot of people...

With reduced costs and sometimes even increased profits, businesses may have more capacity to invest in new equipment. The reduction in VAT can improve the cash flow of companies or even the cash flow of companies. Staff can also be paid better. We see here the numerous opportunities in the event of a reduction in VAT.

Padel attracts, but not everyone…

In short, a reduction in VAT should allow padel to continue and even accentuate its expansion in France. To do this, the federation and its 7.000 establishments will first have to make themselves heard by the government.

Let us remember, Emmanuel Macron wants to make France “a sporting nation” and aims 3 million additional practitioners following the 2024 Olympics. Perhaps a reduction in VAT could help achieve this goal… Will we be entitled to it in padel? Stay tuned…

Gwenaelle Souyri

It was her brother who one day told her to accompany him to a padel court, since then, Gwenaëlle has never left the court. Except when it comes to going to watch the retransmission of Padel Magazine, World Padel Tour… or Premier Padel…or the French Championships. In short, she is a fan of this sport.

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