NXTPLAY will invest in padel before the end of 2026. The platform co-founded by Thibaut Courtois and Gonzalo Vila is preparing a sports and talent management project announced at the World Football Summit in Madrid. The financial terms and representation model have not yet been detailed.
NXTPLAY is preparing a padel and talent management project
Gonzalo Vila, who co-founded NXTPLAY with Thibaut Courtois, confirmed that the company was working on a padel-related operation during the World Football Summit held in Madrid on September 15 and 16. The project is due to join the company’s portfolio before December 31, 2026.
Vila linked the decision to commercial activities already developed by the platform. According to comments reported by EFE, he said:
“Padel is growing quickly and is directly connected to commercial and business activities we are already carrying out.”
The co-founder said the project would involve sports and talent management. Published information does not specify the planned investment amount, the deal structure or the players who could be involved. The available statements do not yet establish whether NXTPLAY will act as a talent agency, an investor, an operator or combine several of these roles.
Courtois is already expanding NXTPLAY through equity investments
NXTPLAY Capital describes itself as an investment platform active across sport, media, technology and consumer brands. Its portfolio includes stakes in football clubs and projects linked to motorsport, with ownership positions forming part of its model rather than a simple ambassador role.
KRC Genk offers a concrete example of that approach. In June 2026, the Belgian club announced a minority investment by Courtois through NXTPLAY, together with representation on its Board of Directors. The club also cited existing investments in Le Mans FC and CD Extremadura. NXTPLAY also states that it invests in media, technology and consumer brands.
The padel project would add another sport to NXTPLAY’s publicly listed activities. Operating details still need to be published, including the investment amount and the type of contracts considered for talent. Gonzalo Vila set a clear deadline: the padel project is due to be added to NXTPLAY’s portfolio before the end of 2026.
