Key Takeaways
- Nike has begun making inquiries as it considers appointing its first high-profile female ambassador in padel.
- The brand’s shortlist is currently headed by Delfi Brea, Martina Calvo, and Andrea Ustero.
- Any possible switch is still at a preliminary stage because all three players are tied to long-term deals with leading brands in the industry.
US sportswear powerhouse considers major push into women’s padel
After previously being linked with men’s star Agustin Tapia, Nike is now assessing opportunities in the women’s game. The American multinational is considering a move into professional women’s padel by targeting prominent ambassadors, ranging from established champions to leading emerging players.
No deal has been completed, although Nike has contacted representatives to review players’ contractual positions and assess possible future opportunities. Information first reported by Marca Padel identifies Delfi Brea, Martina Calvo, and Andrea Ustero as the three names attracting the strongest interest.
The leading candidates and their existing contracts
During tournaments in Buenos Aires, Rome, and Paris, Nike representatives reportedly observed the action and held informal discussions with players’ teams while assessing candidates with different profiles.
| Player | Age | Current sponsor commitments | Key achievements highlighted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delfi Brea | N/A | Bullpadel | Six titles alongside Gemma Triay; high market influence |
| Martina Calvo | 18 | Babolat (racket, shoes, bags), Oysho (apparel) | Top 10 ranking; youngest player to win an elite title (London); Paris Major finalist |
| Andrea Ustero | 19 | HEAD | World No. 7; three titles; Paris Major champion with Ari Sanchez |
Among Nike’s options, Delfi Brea offers a direct route to one of padel’s leading players. The Argentine, who competes with Gemma Triay, has collected six titles during the season, highlighted by a Madrid victory over Paula Josemaria and Bea Gonzalez. Her appeal away from competition was particularly evident at the Buenos Aires stop on the Premier Padel calendar, where Nike’s interest grew. Any move would still have to account for Brea’s contract with Bullpadel, a sponsor she considers a crucial pillar of her career.
Nike’s search also includes elite players from the new generation. Martina Calvo, 18, has climbed into the world’s top 10 while partnering Claudia Fernandez. She was a Paris Major finalist and, at the London tournament, became the youngest player ever to capture a title at the highest professional level. Calvo currently uses Babolat equipment and wears Oysho clothing under sponsorship agreements.
Three trophies during the campaign, including the Paris Major with Ari Sanchez, helped 19-year-old Andrea Ustero reach world number seven. However, she has represented HEAD under contract since 2023, leaving Nike with another established agreement to work around.
Nike’s wider ambitions in the 20×10
Nike-branded rackets appearing at a NOCTA event in the United States provided another sign of the company’s long-term interest in padel. Its approach to the women’s circuit forms part of a wider plan to build a presence in the sport. Earlier in the year, NOX founder Jesus Ballve also confirmed that discussions had been held about Agustin Tapia, whose contract with NOX runs through 2028.
Because talks are still exploratory and existing agreements must be considered, any signings may not happen until 2027 or later.
