Nike enters padel?

Last week, three padel rackets bearing the Nike Swoosh appeared at NOCTA Manor, a private event hosted by Drake at Pendry Natirar in New Jersey. World #1 Agustín Tapia, Juan Lebrón, NBA stars Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, and Drake himself were all on court.

Nike has made no official statement about entering the sport. The rackets (Command, Attack and Balance) were spotted at a private event. Beyond that, much remains unconfirmed.

Here's what's circulating:

The signing rumor. Tapia is reported to be Nike's primary target as brand ambassador. Tapia himself told media it would be "a dream come true." The complication: he's under contract with racket brand NOX until the end of 2028. Actu Padel describes the signing as "a market hypothesis, not a completed deal."

The hybrid deal rumor. Industry sources suggest a potential workaround: a three-way arrangement where Tapia wears Nike clothing and footwear while keeping his NOX racket through 2028. No confirmation from any party.

The plagiarism controversy. Social media lit up with comparisons between the Nike rackets and models from Spanish brand Dropshot. Padel Magazine covered the story, concluding it was "controversy fueled mainly by the buzz." The debate remains ongoing online.

Nike is reportedly targeting a formal market entry in 2027. Beyond that, the world's largest sportswear brand hasn't said a word. That silence, for now, is the story.

Source: Padel Addict, Actu Padel, Padel Magazine