29 October 2026International edition
Vol. I · No.
29 October 2026
AI IN FASHION
DAILY
The daily briefing on AI in the fashion business
Where fashion meets artificial intelligence.
Sportswear and outdoor

NOX

Spain

NOX is a Spanish padel brand based in Barcelona that makes rackets, footwear and accessories for the sport. Founded by Jesus Ballve, it sells in more than 80 countries.

Facts
FounderJesus Ballve
HeadquartersBarcelona, Spain
Core productPadel rackets
ReachMore than 80 countries
InvestorOakley Capital
Websitenoxsport.com
Segment
Mid-market
Categories
SportswearFootwearAccessories
Sales channels
WholesaleE-commerceMarketplaces

What is NOX?

NOX is a padel equipment brand headquartered in Barcelona. It was built by its founder and chief executive Jesus Ballve and has grown into one of the best known names in the sport, selling more than 400,000 rackets a year.

Products and positioning

Rackets are the core of the business. Around them NOX offers padel footwear and accessories, and its investors plan to broaden the product portfolio further.

  • Padel rackets
  • Padel footwear
  • Accessories

The brand has been named official racket of the World Padel Tour and official footwear of the three Premier Padel events held in Spain, giving it strong visibility in professional competition.

Distribution

NOX sells in more than 80 countries through specialist racket sports retailers, sports chains and online, including its own web shop.

History

In 2025 the private equity firm Oakley Capital invested in NOX through its Origin Fund II, with GPF Partners retaining a significant minority stake and Ballve remaining a partner. The investors aim to broaden the product range, explore pickleball and expand in the United States and Asia.

Why it matters

NOX shows how the rapid growth of padel is creating specialist sports brands that attract international investment and compete with long established racket sports companies.

Frequently asked questions

Where is NOX padel from?

NOX is a Spanish padel brand headquartered in Barcelona.

Who founded NOX?

NOX was founded by Jesus Ballve, who is also the company's chief executive.

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