Nike shows its first padel rackets – but the market entry is still open
Three padel rackets carrying the Nike name appeared at a closed event held by Drake's label NOCTA in July 2026. Since then, plenty of places have written that Nike is entering padel. Nike has said no such thing. Here is what is actually documented, and what follows from it for the sport.
What was shown
Nike presented three models at the NOCTA Manor event. The Command stands out for its double-perforated outer face, a 16K-style carbon finish, an asymmetrical core and a sand-textured surface. The Attack uses a deliberately angular geometry and is built for offence. The Balance keeps a classic shape with 12K carbon and aims at control.
The players on court were not exactly unknown: Agustín Tapia and Juan Lebrón played, joined by NBA players Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. No release date was given, and no price.
What is only reported
This is where the line has to be drawn clearly. Sporting goods trade reporting says Nike is aiming at an official entry in 2027, while Nike itself has never commented publicly on padel. Observers report Nike scouts at Premier Padel events in Buenos Aires and Rome. The connection runs through Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, president of both Premier Padel and Paris Saint-Germain, a club Nike outfits.
The name everyone attaches to the story is not settled either: Agustín Tapia, currently world number one, has been with Nox since 2017, his contract was extended in 2024 and runs to the end of 2028. Nox founder Jesús Ballvé has publicly said Tapia is staying. Any Nike deal covering shoes and apparel would need Nox's agreement.
Why it matters for the market
Padel rackets are still a specialists' market: Bullpadel, Nox, Head, Adidas and Babolat share most of it. A brand of Nike's size would work less through technology than through reach – shelf space in general sports retail, visibility outside the padel bubble, and player salaries other brands would have to match.
For you as a player nothing changes in the short term: there is no date, no price and no availability. If you need a racket now, shape, core and weight still decide – the criteria are in our comparison of racket shapes.
What we are watching
Three things would turn the appearance into real news: an official statement from Nike, a release date, and a contract with a top-level player. Without any of them it remains an appearance at an event. We keep following it and will report as soon as something solid changes.
Sources
Written by Padelradar. The facts come from these publications:
- Nike unveils its first padel rackets at NOCTA Manor 2026 · Padel Addict · 21 July 2026
- Nike padel move: Nox contract blocks Agustín Tapia deal · Sporting Goods Intelligence · 19 June 2026
- Nike is ready to enter the padel scene in 2027 · Padel Magazine
Frequently asked questions
Is Nike officially entering the padel market?
Nike has confirmed nothing. What is documented is that three padel rackets were shown at a NOCTA event in July 2026. Trade reporting names 2027 as the year targeted for an entry.
What are the three Nike padel rackets called?
Command, Attack and Balance. Command has a double-perforated face and an asymmetrical core, Attack an angular attacking shape, Balance a classic control shape with 12K carbon.
When can you buy the Nike rackets?
There is no release date and no price so far. The appearance was a closed event, not a market launch.