In a landmark financial move, tennis icon Rafael Nadal has significantly bolstered his business portfolio by selling a 44.9% stake in his renowned Rafa Nadal Academy to GPF Capital, netting a remarkable profit of €94.1 million (approximately $103 million). This strategic transaction not only underscores Nadal’s acumen off the court but also ensures his continued influence over the academy’s future.
The deal was executed through Nadal’s holding company, Aspemir, which retains a majority 55.1% stake in Centre Sportiu Manacor, the entity overseeing the academy’s operations in his hometown of Manacor, Mallorca. The Rafa Nadal Academy, inaugurated in 2016, has since become a premier institution, offering a range of training programs for players of all levels, alongside amenities such as accommodation, educational facilities, restaurants, a spa, a hotel, and a museum dedicated to Nadal’s illustrious career.
In 2023, the academy reported revenues of €40 million, with €22.3 million derived from its training programs and accommodation services. Additional income streams included €5.5 million from sponsorships, €4.1 million from merchandise sales, €2.4 million from its dining establishments, and €1.9 million from its fitness center. The academy’s net profit for the year stood at €6.8 million, marking an 83% increase from the previous year.
The transaction with GPF Capital was structured to optimize both operational efficiency and asset management. Initially, there was a capital reduction of €10.9 million in Centre Sportiu Manacor, during which Nadal acquired the academy’s main building, valued at €63.6 million, and assumed certain debts amounting to €36.1 million. Subsequently, the property was leased back to the academy under a 25-year agreement, with the first 10 years being obligatory.
GPF Capital, a Spanish investment firm led by Martín Rodríguez-Fraile, Lorenzo Martínez de Albornoz, Ignacio Olascoaga, and Guillermo Castellano, facilitated the acquisition through GPF Future Investments VI SARL, based in Luxembourg.
Beyond this significant sale, Aspemir has diversified its investments across various sectors, including hospitality, real estate, renewable energy, and financial services. Notably, in partnership with Meliá Hotels International, Nadal introduced the ZEL hotel brand, aiming to establish 20 hotels within five years. Additionally, through Palya Invest, a venture with businessman Abel Matutes, plans are underway to invest over €200 million in developing luxury residences on Spain’s Costa del Sol.
Nadal’s financial success mirrors his legendary tennis career. Since turning professional in 2001, he has secured 22 Grand Slam titles and earned nearly $135 million in prize money. Forbes estimates his total earnings, including endorsements from brands like Kia, Movistar, Heliocare, Santander, Mapfre, and Nike, to be around $550 million.
This strategic divestment not only reinforces Nadal’s position as a shrewd businessman but also ensures the Rafa Nadal Academy’s sustained growth and excellence in nurturing future tennis talents.
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