If the news concerned stocks, we could say that the markets would be in great turmoil. The world of padel has been shaken by the news of the possible agreement between Nike and Agustín Tapia, with dizzying figures for the sector up to this moment and a suggestive and enormously valuable partnership for this sport. Jesus Ballve, CEO of Nox, Tapia’s current technical sponsor, also intervened on the matter, admitting contacts with Nike but also reaffirming the duration of the contract with the player until 2028.
Not that the two entities cannot coexist, as evidenced by On’s entry alongside Arturo Coello who continues to wield a Head racket. The strength of Nike cannot leave a brand like Nox indifferent, which, despite being authoritative and of the highest profile in padel, remains a very specialized brand with inevitably limited reach compared to the American multinational. Tapia himself, during the inaugural event of a Padel Nuestro store in Barcelona, did not hide his feelings about a possible agreement. The Mozart of Catamarca shielded himself to the microphones of Mundo Deportivo, stating that he learned the news “from the media” and noticed that “a great commotion has been unleashed”. “If they have contacted Jesús (Nox CEO, ed.), the truth is that it is a good sign that such an important brand is interested in me and in this sport. This shows how much we are growing, so I am very happy.” The Argentine did not deny it but understandably did not want to provide further details.
“There is nothing definitive. My team has the duty to inform me when things are progressing well, and if they haven’t told me anything, it’s because there is still a long way to go or because it is very difficult to materialize. It would be a dream for me, so let’s hope for the best,” Tapia concluded. Tapia is certainly one of the most sought-after players by sponsors at the moment. A few months ago, the Argentine’s management closed a deal with the luxury watch brand Audemars Piguet, following in the footsteps of his partner Arturo Coello, who had already done so earlier in the year, tying himself instead to Rolex. Photo: Silvestre Szpylma / Premier Padel
