Why is squash court franchise a viable business in India now?

World Premier Squash's official launch in August 2026 with Saurav Ghosal (India's Olympic squash player) as Sports Commissioner will generate mainstream media coverage and aspirational interest among urban elites. Currently, India has <50 dedicated squash courts in major metros versus 500+ in Dubai and Singapore. The timing aligns squash's rise as a status sport with infrastructure scarcity, creating a 3–5 year first-mover window before international brands enter.

How much does it cost to start a squash court business in India?

A single premium squash court (international standard, 9.75m × 6.4m) costs ₹8–12 lakh to construct (court surface, lighting, air handling). A 5-court facility with lounge, pro shop, and changing rooms requires ₹40–60 lakh total capex. Including lease deposit, working capital, and marketing: ₹50–75 lakh. Franchise model: partner provides ₹1–1.5 crore for 4–6 courts in metro locations.

How profitable is a squash court business in India?

A 5-court facility targeting 200 members at ₹50,000/year membership yields ₹1 crore gross revenue. With 40% operating margins (lease, staff, utilities, maintenance), net profit is ₹40 lakh/year. Additional revenue from coaching (₹50–80 lakh/year) and retail (₹15–25 lakh/year margin) lifts total EBITDA to ₹90–120 lakh/year. ROI: 18–24 months for initial capital.

What regulations apply to squash court business in India?

Court hire services are taxed at 5% GST (IGST on interstate). Equipment sales at 18% GST. Coaching services at 5% GST if certified trainer. Building safety must meet Sports Authority of India (SAI) facility standards and local municipal bylaws. Franchise agreements require disclosure under Indian Contract Act 1872 and Companies Act 2013 if structured as FDD. Player injury liability: mandatory sports accident insurance (available at ₹2–5 lakh for ₹50 crore cover). Court construction must comply with National Building Code (NBC) 2016.

Premium Squash Court Franchise India 2026 — WPS Opportunity

Q: How much does it cost to start a squash court business in India?

A single premium squash court (international standard, 9.75m × 6.4m) costs ₹8–12 lakh to construct (court surface, lighting, air handling). A 5-court facility with lounge, pro shop, and changing rooms requires ₹40–60 lakh total capex. Including lease deposit, working capital, and marketing: ₹50–75 lakh. Franchise model: partner provides ₹1–1.5 crore for 4–6 courts in metro locations.

Q: How profitable is a squash court business in India?

A 5-court facility targeting 200 members at ₹50,000/year membership yields ₹1 crore gross revenue. With 40% operating margins (lease, staff, utilities, maintenance), net profit is ₹40 lakh/year. Additional revenue from coaching (₹50–80 lakh/year) and retail (₹15–25 lakh/year margin) lifts total EBITDA to ₹90–120 lakh/year. ROI: 18–24 months for initial capital.

Q: What regulations apply to squash court business in India?

Court hire services are taxed at 5% GST (IGST on interstate). Equipment sales at 18% GST. Coaching services at 5% GST if certified trainer. Building safety must meet Sports Authority of India (SAI) facility standards and local municipal bylaws. Franchise agreements require disclosure under Indian Contract Act 1872 and Companies Act 2013 if structured as FDD. Player injury liability: mandatory sports accident insurance (available at ₹2–5 lakh for ₹50 crore cover). Court construction must comply with National Building Code (NBC) 2016.

AI SummaryWorld Premier Squash's August 2026 debut positions India as a high-growth squash market, yet premium court infrastructure remains critically undersupplied: Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore have fewer than 15 international-standard courts combined, versus 500+ in Singapore and 300+ in UAE. A franchise-based premium squash court operator could capture ₹150–250 crore TAM by 2028 through membership fees (₹50,000–100,000/year), coaching (₹200–400/hour), and equipment retail. Timing is optimal: Saurav Ghosal's WPS commissioner role will drive elite interest, while India's 150+ million affluent households ($30K+ annual income) provide a sustainable membership base. Early movers who secure prime real estate in Tier-1 metros by Q3 2026 can establish 3–5 flagship facilities before larger international sports operators recognize the gap.