Although Rafael Nadal may have hit the final shot of his illustrious tennis career, his financial fortunes are still soaring, thanks to lucrative business ventures.
Recent reports out of Spain reveal that Nadal’s business empire saw a significant boost last year after a private investment firm acquired a 44.9% stake in his prestigious tennis academy in Mallorca. This deal alone has added nearly €100 million to the tennis legend’s wealth, bringing in €94.1 million from the sale. The windfall adds to Nadal’s already impressive career earnings, which have topped $135 million from his playing days.
According to a report in Mallorca Daily Bulletin, Nadal’s Academy is just one of several companies owned under the umbrella of Aspemir, a holding company overseen by Nadal’s mother, Ana María Parera. Aspemir has seen its net worth grow substantially, with a 44% increase from €237 million in 2022 to €341.4 million in 2023. The company’s profits for the year were €94.1 million—up dramatically from €11.4 million in 2021.
Nadal’s Academy, located in Mallorca, remains one of the most renowned training grounds for young tennis talent, drawing aspiring players from around the world to learn from Nadal’s unique techniques that took him to the top of the game. The sale of the stake to private investment firm GPF highlights just how valuable the Nadal brand has become. While Nadal and his family still retain the majority stake in the Academy, the possibility of a future sale remains, though it seems unlikely given Nadal’s deep personal connection to the facility.
In addition to his flagship Academy in Mallorca, Nadal has expanded his vision globally with tennis centers in Cancun, Greece, and Kuwait, further cementing his influence in the tennis world. His close friendship with Roger Federer has also led to collaborative efforts, with Federer visiting the Mallorca Academy and the two sharing their vision for the sport and its legacy.
Speaking at his Academy last June, Nadal opened up about how he hopes to be remembered in tennis. Reflecting on a conversation he had with Federer during a trip to the Italian Dolomites, Nadal touched on the idea of “legacy” and how both players view their place in history. “A few months ago, I had the chance to visit the Italian Dolomites with my friend and rival Roger Federer. We had a very interesting conversation about a word that I think is very important: legacy,” Nadal said.
Nadal and Federer agree on one key point: while their records and titles may be celebrated, the true mark of their legacy will be how they are remembered by future generations. “It’s great that our achievements, our titles, and our records are recognised, but as the years go by, it is probable that someone will come along and surpass them,” Nadal explained. “What is important, then, is that which will always be remembered. Therefore, both Roger and I agree that we would like to be remembered as good people.”
Nadal emphasized the importance of values over achievements, adding, “We live in a society that highlights the ‘what’ and the ‘now’ above all else. But I would like to highlight the importance of the ‘how.'” He encouraged others to ask themselves, “How would I like my classmates, my teachers, my friends to remember me?”
Rather than encouraging others to strive for fame or influence, Nadal prefers the term “leaders”—people who embody values that others would want to emulate. “The people around you should see you as someone who should be copied because of their values.”
Even after retiring from professional tennis, Nadal continues to generate income through various partnerships. His ambassadorial deal with Saudi Arabia and ongoing commercial agreements with long-time sponsors like Babolat and Nike ensure that his financial success remains strong.
With a legacy built on both his on-court brilliance and his off-court endeavors, Nadal’s influence in the world of tennis—and beyond—continues to grow, making him not only one of the greatest athletes of all time but also a powerful figure in sports entrepreneurship.