Padel, a racket sport that combines elements of tennis and squash, has grown in popularity over the past few decades, becoming a global phenomenon. The appeal of the sport lies in its accessibility and social nature, making it a recreational option for people of all ages and skill levels. As the sport continues to grow, a number of key figures and organisations have played a significant role in promoting and investing in the growth of the sport, impacting both positively and negatively on the infrastructure and reach of the sport around the world.
Early Padel Investors
After its creation in Mexico in 1969, the sport gradually spread to Spain in the 1970s and became popular, especially in the Andalusian region. The growth of Padel in Spain was largely due to the endorsement of influential public figures, namely Prince Alfonso of Hohenlohe, which helped to raise the profile and popularity of the sport.
During the 1980s and 1990s, Padel experienced increasing globalisation, especially in Europe and Latin America. The establishment of official organisations, such as the International Padel Federation (FIP) in 1991, provided a structured framework for international governance, competition, and cooperation. The FIP – International Padel Federation has played a major role in promoting Padel globally, facilitating the establishment of federations in various countries, thereby encouraging greater investment and participation in the sport.
At this time, Padel enjoyed organic growth. Private clubs, individuals, and families who enjoyed the social and recreational aspects of Padel drove much of the early growth.
Active investors in Padel
Padel’s success is due to a variety of stakeholders, including investors, athletes, and organisations dedicated to expanding its reach.
Formula 1 drivers invested in Padel
Pierre Gasly has joined forces with French financier Loïc Féry to establish 10Padel, a team competing in the Hexagon Cup.
Marcus Ericsson, the Swedish driver, is involved in “We Are Padel” (WAP), a company that operates padel clubs in Sweden.
Football players invested in Padel
Cristiano Ronaldo, the football superstar, has made significant investments in Padel, partnering to build “Cidade do Padel” on the outskirts of Lisbon. This ambitious project will feature numerous courts and aims to boost the sport’s popularity in Portugal significantly.
Zlatan Ibrahimović has invested in building several Padel halls under the “Padel Zenter” brand in his home country, Sweden.
Jamie Vardy, the English Premier League striker, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin have invested in Game4Padel, a UK-based company expanding Padel infrastructure.
Tennis players invested in Padel
Andy Murray, the former World No. 1 tennis player, has invested in Game4Padel as well.
Rafael Nadal, the Spanish legend, opened a Padel academy in his hometown of Manacor, Mallorca, called The Rafa Nadal Academy which features Padel courts and Padel camps.
Jonas Björkman, a former Swedish professional tennis player, has invested in Padel centres in Sweden. Jonas was the founder of PDL / Padel United.
Rugby players invested in Padel
Adam Hastings (and his father, Gavin Hastings), Adam Ashe, Richie Gray, Hugh Jones, Peter Horne, George Horne, Blair Kinghorn, and James Lang have invested in Smash Padel, a UK-based Padel club operator. This group of players has collectively invested over £500,000 to help the company expand.
VC funds invested in Padel
EEP Capital, a venture capital fund backed by NHL ice hockey players, was one of the first to invest in Padel in the United States. They notably purchased the Pro Padel League‘s first franchise in Los Angeles.
Triton, a Swedish venture capital firm, has made numerous acquisitions in the Padel sector to form LeDap, a leading platform in the European Padel market. Some of the key acquisitions include We Are Padel (WAP), Just Padel (Norway), Padel Club Finland, Padel Tampere, PadelZone (Austria), and ProPadel (Finland). Later on Triton has decided to exit from Padel sector investments and selling Padel clubs to local investors.
Dmg Ventures invested in the Hexagon Cup.
PE funds invested in Padel
Family PE ATITLAN of the owner of Mercadona, a Spanish supermarket chain, has invested majority stake in PadelGalis – one the Spanish Padel court manufacturers.
MCH Private Equity has invested in All For Padel, an Adidas-licensed equipment brand.
DM Equity Partners (DMEP): Invested in The Padellers, a Padel location in Amsterdam.
Axivate Capital provided funding to Peakz Padel, another player in the growing Padel market.
TAKTIKA Equity is a Private Equity fund dedicated to transform the Padel ecosystem in the US. through sustainable investments.
Entrepreneurs invested in Padel
Enrique Buenaventura, founder of the Hexagon Cup, a major padel tournament series.
Juan Martín Díaz, a former professional Padel player, is now a successful entrepreneur in the Padel industry with equipment brands (previously Drop Shot and currently Bullpadel) and an academy, World Padel Academy.
Fernando Belasteguín, another former world champion, is also involved in various entrepreneurial ventures related to Padel, including an academy, the Bela Padel Centre in Alicante, Spain, and equipment brands like Head Padel.
American actress and film producer Eva Longoria is one the franchise team owners in Hexagon Cup. Her team is called Eleven Eleven.
Former CEO and part owner of the Miami Marlins Derek Jeter is investing his time and money in Padel.
Should you invest in Padel?
The influx of investment has had many positive effects on Padel. Firstly, increased sponsorship has improved infrastructure and accessibility, attracting more people to the sport. The growth of Padel clubs has given players more opportunities to participate in tournaments and social activities, creating a strong community. The economic benefits are also clear, with Padel facilities creating job opportunities in coaching, management, and maintenance.
Additionally, as the sport becomes more commercial, women’s and youth Padel tournaments have also benefitted from increased interest. Partnerships with schools and universities focus on the inclusion and engagement of younger generations, helping to foster a lasting legacy. Increased media coverage and broadcasting have further raised the profile of the sport, attracting a diverse audience and increasing potential revenue streams through advertising and sponsorship.
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PADEL1969 | from Acapulco since 1969.
