The investment platform co-founded by Thibaut Courtois and Gonzalo Vila partners with the Dubai-based company to support its international expansion and the development of new sporting events.
NXTPLAY, an investment platform co-founded by Belgian footballer and Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and Gonzalo Vila, has announced a strategic partnership with Gallop Global, a Dubai-based company specialising in the organisation and production of sporting events and live experiences. The agreement marks NXTPLAY's first investment in the padel sector.
According to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), the partnership aims to support Gallop Global's growth plans, expand its portfolio of international sporting events and strengthen its presence across global markets.
Gallop Global is the organiser of the Emaar Dubai Premier Padel P1, part of the Premier Padel international circuit. The company also develops and delivers sporting events and live experiences in different markets, providing the foundation for its international expansion plans.
The partnership brings together NXTPLAY's expertise in sport and media with Gallop Global's capabilities in developing and delivering major sporting events. The two companies aim to leverage this combination to support new projects and expand their international operations.
Thibaut Courtois said that padel is experiencing growth across several markets and that NXTPLAY is looking to invest in companies operating within the sector. He added that the partnership with Gallop Global is aligned with the platform's investment strategy.
For his part, Iván Modia, CEO and Co-Founder of Gallop Global, highlighted NXTPLAY's involvement as both an investor and strategic partner, stating that its participation supports the company's international expansion plans and strengthens cooperation in the development of sporting events.
The announcement coincides with the 2026 Emaar Dubai Premier Padel P1, held at the Hamdan Sports Complex in Dubai.
The agreement represents another investment move within the international padel ecosystem and reflects the growing interest of platforms operating at the intersection of sport and entertainment in the development of events and businesses connected to the industry.
Source: Emirates News Agency (WAM), 9 November 2026.
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