Rafael Nadal’s extraordinary tennis career is only part of his legacy. With 22 Grand Slam titles, 92 career trophies, and Olympic gold medals, the Spanish icon has secured his place among the sport’s all-time greats. But his influence on tennis extends far beyond his own achievements—and that’s where the Rafael Nadal Academy comes in.
Founded in 2016 in Manacor, Mallorca, the Rafael Nadal Academy has become a global hub for young tennis talent, providing a high-performance training program alongside academic education. And now, with a major investment deal, Nadal is taking his tennis empire to the next level.
Nadal Sells 44.9% Stake in Academy for €94.1 Million
In November 2023, investment firm GPF Capital became involved with the academy, helping to accelerate international expansion. The move was seen as a strategic push to take the academy beyond Spain and into key tennis markets.
Now, in a significant financial decision, Nadal has sold a 44.9% stake in the academy to GPF Capital for €94.1 million—but he still retains majority control over the institution he built.
“I am personally very satisfied with everything we have been doing so far,” Nadal stated.
“This satisfaction, coupled with the academy’s proven success, sets the stage for an exciting phase of international expansion with the support of GPF, who shares our values, vision, and enthusiasm.”
A Global Tennis Powerhouse
The Rafael Nadal Academy isn’t just a training center—it’s a worldwide movement.
- Founded in 2016 in Mallorca, it quickly became one of the world’s premier tennis academies.
- Expansion has already led to branches in Kuwait, Greece, and Mexico, with more locations on the horizon.
- The academy has already produced professional players, further cementing Nadal’s impact on the future of tennis.
With GPF Capital’s backing, the academy is now set to expand even further, giving more young players access to world-class training and education.
Nadal’s Vision: Leaving a Legacy Beyond His Playing Career
While Nadal’s playing days are winding down, his impact on tennis is only growing. The academy is his long-term project, ensuring that his influence continues even after he retires from professional tennis.
In his own words, Nadal sees this as just the beginning:
“I am very excited to start this stage of international expansion and begin to locate the academy in different parts of the world.”
What’s Next?
With financial backing and an aggressive expansion strategy, the Rafael Nadal Academy is poised to redefine tennis development globally.
- Will we see new academies in the U.S. or South America?
- Could this move inspire other legends like Federer or Djokovic to build similar institutions?
- How will Nadal balance his role as a mentor, businessman, and future Hall of Famer?
One thing is certain: Rafa’s legacy is just getting started.
