Málaga continues to trend as a hub for sports development, with Rafael Nadal selecting the Costa del Sol capital to host a flagship club. In collaboration with the Spanish developer Sierra Blanca Estates, the project aims to create a premier facility adjacent to the José María Martín Carpena Sports Palace and the Athletics Stadium known as the City of Málaga. This plan marks Nadal’s first club initiative in mainland Spain outside the Balearic Islands, signaling a bold expansion into the mainland sports scene.
The new Rafa Nadal Club in Málaga will cover a substantial 33,000 square meters and will function as both a club and a school, focusing on tennis and rowing. A dedicated underground car park will be integrated to address local space limitations and provide convenient access for visitors and members, ensuring the development complements the surrounding urban area without encroaching on scarce surface parking.
Designed by Sierra Blanca Estates, the project envisions a facility with semi-enclosed clay courts, outdoor hard courts, and a large array of paddle tennis courts. A central arena with grandstands will be capable of hosting competitive events, while an inviting outdoor pool and a multipurpose building will house a fitness area, crossfit zone, a sports shop, a restaurant, a spa, and a museum that honors Rafael Nadal’s career. The complex will serve as a community hub where athletes of all levels can train, compete, and celebrate the sport that Nadal has helped popularize globally.
City officials emphasized that the land is owned by the Municipal Council and will be granted under a new concession arrangement, similar to other public-private partnerships in the area. The council has reviewed several options and ultimately prioritized tennis development and a balanced use of the site. Parking logistics were a key concern, with plans proposing a subterranean solution to prevent surface lots from being lost and to maintain seamless access for visitors. The decision highlights a broader commitment to integrating world-class sporting facilities within Málaga while preserving urban mobility and local infrastructure.