For the first time in its history, APT PADEL TOUR welcomes a shareholder, Ike S. Franco founder of Ifinity Global as a capital partner of the APT PADEL TOUR, the international padel circuit owned by the Monegasque businessman Fabrice Pastor.
Ike S. Franco is the founder and managing partner of Ifinity Global. Ike has achieved remarkable success in the apparel business during his 20+ year career. Since the mid-1990s, Ike has developed and managed a diverse portfolio of highly recognized consumer product brands across a wide range of sectors. Besides his investment in multiple brands and real estate, he is also a limited partner of the New York Yankees.
Padel is an emerging sport with over 30 million participants worldwide. The sport has presence in over 57 countries and is expanding across European, Asian and Latin American markets. APT Padel Tour, a professional circuit has continued its expansion establishing presence in places like the Casino in Montecarlo, Las Setas in Seville, Spain and River Plate Club in Buenos Aires. By hosting tournaments in renowned locations, the APT has continued to trail blaze globally. In 2023 the circuit will grow to over 18 locations and will feature prominent players professional players within the sport of Padel. Over $2M will be distributed in prize money during the 2023 season.
Ike’s participation in the APT Padel Tour will deliver an introductory strategy for the tournament in the U.S. and Canada. A strong focus on tournament development, broadcast distribution and commercial partnerships will be orchestrated by Infinity Sports, the agency of record for the APT Padel Tour. Selection of City tournaments across the U.S. will be organized through an RFP expansion process. The groundbreaking sport will aggregate fans in such major cities as New York, Miami, Chicago, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Houston. A formal venue RFP for 2023 tour selections will be made available December 1, 2022.
“APT Padel has had an enormous success internationally and I am excited to collaborate with Fabrice on developing a presence in the U.S. and Canada”, said Ike S. Franco, Founder and CEO of Infinity Global.
A strong franchise development program will be introduced in the U.S. to develop APT branded courts in Colleges and Universities nationwide. Creating a grass roots platform for the sport.
Greenset, named the exclusive court partner of the APT, will collaborate in building state-of-the-art padel courts across the U.S. and Canada.
Currently ESPN LatAm continues to build awareness of the APT Padel Tour with broadcast productions in Latin America and Brazil.
Infinity Sports, the commercial arm of APT Padel, will spearhead the media distribution, commercial rights and licensing program for the tournament globally.
ABOUT APT PADEL
APT PADEL TOUR is an international padel circuit founded in 2020 by Fabrice Pastor, who is also the CEO of Monte Carlo International Sports. The aim of this tour is to promote the development and the internationalization of padel, one of the fastest growing sports in the world. In 2022, the tour traveled to 14 cities, 11 countries and 3 continents. Monaco and New York join forces to conrm the status of APT PADEL TOUR as the best padel circuit in the world!
www.aptpadel.com
ABOUT INFINITY SPORTS
Infinity Sports is a full-service sports and entertainment agency owned by Infinity Global. The agency specializes in the areas of event management, marketing services and branding initiatives. Infinity Sports’ global headquarters is in New York City.