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Hey panelists.
We're here at Rocket X and we're at
the Babylon booth with Jose Ance, the
head of Paddle for Baat Worldwide.
So excited to have you here, Jose.
Tell us about all the great things
about Babylon Paddle is doing and it's
bringing into the market, and how do you
planning to conquer the American market?
Well, I think, you know, as we, we take
a lot of, uh, a lot of opportunities,
um, we are building an ecosystem of
partners which allow us to spread
the pattern wall around the wall.
I mean, like an example we have La Morini.
I mean, we did a great partnership
where we are developing a, an an
amazing and exclusive product that
we bring to the US market as well.
You know, when we talk about the US
we are focusing a lot on activation.
So we wanna increase the
community of players.
We focus as well on the educational part.
I mean, there is a a lot of about lack of
knowledge about the product that they have
to try and that they have to purchase.
Um, by that what I mean is
that the most expensive bracket
paddle is not the best one.
It could be the best one, but it doesn't
mean it's the best one for each player.
So we focus on that.
So we focus on field activation,
making sure that, uh, everyone
knows about paddle in the country.
And then the educational part because
we wanna make sure that, you know, when
somebody get into paddle, they get a great
experience and they will repeat again.
So, so now, um, battle has, um,
strong roots here in the USA when it
comes to other racket sports, right.
How does Paddle compare to that?
How can it reach the same type of
strength and moods for like the
other sports s Well, that, that is
clearly a great advantage, of course.
I mean, we are in the country.
Yes, we are well known in the
country thanks to the tennis.
Uh, when the sport is starting the
country, we are already implemented
because we have our own subsidiary
with our own people, not like the
other brands in pad that they have
to look for distributors, right?
Uh, not with Head because they
have subsidiaries as well.
But that is a great advantage.
And of course we are, we are in
a strong positioning already in
the US market, thanks to that.
But think about that.
I mean, it's far from tennis.
Yeah, because we don't have steel yet.
I mean the same number of
other course like in tennis.
So it's gonna grow and we expect to.
As the sport is growing, so now I,
we go all through the USA and see
many clubs, all the clubs, you know,
rather New England, Texas West Coast.
We see a lot of Wilson and Adidas,
you know, penetrating the clubs.
Is that some, yeah.
Your strategy in the next
couple years doing the same?
Well, we do have that approach in
the sport, which is, I mean, all the
brands, we try to do the same in a way.
The point of differentiation is that
we really focus on premium clubs.
Gotcha.
So it's not about, uh, quantity quality.
It's about quality because, uh, we
focus on premium collapse because
we want to activate the collapse.
Gotcha.
So it's not putting the flag of the
brand there, it's all the activation
that we are talking about, the more they
is tournaments, et cetera, et cetera.
That is what's mattered to us.
So now we also see other, uh,
companies, uh, moving into other areas,
apparel, ports, uh, other products.
Are you guys gonna do the same?
I mean, we, we are already a 360 equipment
brand, so we have the rackets, we have
the footwear, we have the clothing, we
have the accessories, we have the balls.
And we will stay there.
Okay.
Okay.
That's all my question.
Yeah.
We are not planning to go into the
core building, nothing like that.
That's not our core business.
Okay.
And we, we've been approached by
many brands to partner with us
because of the sense of bubble.
Right.
But that is not our core business.
We live that one for the others.
And so now globally, is there any
emerging markets or any new countries
that you see a lot of potential in
that it, that has big growth and
paddle that you guys are moving into?
Well, I, I mean, we
are already everywhere.
Yeah.
Yeah.
Once again, thanks to the Chinese.
When you talk about Europe, UK is booming.
Yeah.
Big time.
Germany is hard to wake up.
Mm-hmm.
Despite the difficulties of, you know,
setting up the clubs and the course.
But then when you go more
far east, I mean, uh, India.
India, Indonesia, Indonesia.
Even though in China, China is too big.
So you don't feel it yet.
But you know, we are, as I say, we are
already looking into these countries
because, I mean, it's where the pilot
is, is gonna keep growing and growing.
Yes, yes.
Oh, you, so you guys are
looking into the area Central.
Yeah.
I mean, we are already there there, right.
And we are already doing business
there because as I say, we have
partners already in the countries.
Right, right.
So that's, that is a
job, which is done by us.
So hotel is, what is your
strategy here in the US to start
pushing the brand to the front?
You know, I guess you
guys started a little bit.
You hold back a little bit
before the big push into paddle.
So what is your strategy now in
2026 and going forward to really
push paddle into the mainstream?
Because I know you guys did quite a few
Lamborghini, Babylon, uh, partnerships.
Uh, you, you are doing
it all over the country.
So what is the strategy there?
Well, we are, you know, we are
focusing on, on events that we consider
they are gonna be relevant for the
future of the pattern in the us.
Like we, we support the Anglo Cup.
Okay.
Which is gonna happen in MI here in Miami
next, uh, I think it's next spring, 27th.
So it was, uh, it was in the UK this year.
Yeah.
And it's gonna happen here again.
We support the US open of Paddle
with Paddle House as well.
And as I say, we do a
lot of leader activation.
We sign with Elli, which is a pure
American, you, you know, it's one thing
that is interesting is that paddle.
He's very much a Latin sport.
Mm-hmm.
So we could have the number one
party pleasure in the us but he's an
Argentinian guy or an a Spanish guy.
So we focus on so many, not an American,
at least from the United States.
I mean, I mean, KO's a great guy.
You're not the generations.
Correct.
Yeah.
But that's why we look into Nico.
We look into somebody which is pure
American, that represent the American.
Very smart.
Very smart.
So that's, that's the kind of approach.
And then as I say, we'll
keep doing activations with
Lamborghini, with other partners.
So that's, uh, where we are focusing.
So, so let's go back to Lamborghini and,
and ba. How did you come up with that
partnership and, and what is the vision
and the mission on that partnership?
Well, that's a really technical
partnership, so it's nothing
to do with a co-branding.
Okay.
I mean, of course there is a co-branding
on the product, but there is a
technological development behind.
So, uh, we apply technology, which
is applying the supercars, and we
apply that technology on the racket.
So we, what technology is that?
We use materials like Caribbean.
It's a material that they use
on the cars to mold the carbon.
Mm-hmm.
We use the same carbon as
they use on the supercars.
Yeah.
And then some of the things
that I cannot say, sorry.
So I mean, so it's a, it is not like
a painted, uh, counter, you know,
it's a specific Lamborghini racket.
And that's why it's so exclusive,
because I mean, that racket goes, it,
it, it's pretty expensive, isn't it?
So I was looking, my dealer.
I have a Lamborghini, so my dealer
sent me, I, I said, Hey, I'm
interested in it, and he sent me one.
He says, this is how much it costs.
I'm like, oh man.
I don't know if I, if, if I like
the, the, the, the, I like the
racket, but I, it's kind of a lot.
I say with, with Lamborghini, there
are a few rackets on the range.
There is one racket that we don't even
produce that is produced by Lamborghini.
Wow.
In Santa Gata in Italy.
Which that rocket, that
rack is 6,000 Euro.
Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah.
And we only produce 50.
And that's euros.
We only, yes, euros.
And we only produce 50 units.
Usually that rocket
doesn't go in the market.
It's already sold out.
As soon as we announce
we are gonna launch it.
And then you have the commercial range.
Which is the one we produce,
which is only, I mean, so
what's, it's only $700, right?
Right.
No, it was the other one that,
that you were looking at.
The other one.
But the other one is, even though if
you wanna pay for it, you cannot get it.
Well, I was, I, I was, I was offered
it, but I, I, I I wasn't too much.
So, so here, here that we have
it, the Lamborghini rocket.
Finally.
Correct.
So tell me, tell me all about this rocket.
What is, what is the big
difference in this one?
Well, big difference is, well,
there are a few of difference.
So the c part, the one that're in
telling you is, is a part which is
inside the rocket, which is in the,
in the heart of the rocket, which is
giving a lot of instability to the
rocket and is helping on the power.
On the power.
Then there is a top sheet.
Technology that made the rocket,
even though it's really powerful,
made a comfortable racket.
Oh, okay.
Which is one of the key things
today in the market is like
everyone is looking for power.
For power and power, but power
is related many times to hard
rockets, and you sacrifice
control and you sacrifice control.
And comfort.
Yeah, comfort.
You're right, within this racket,
you get almost everything.
You get the power when you, I mean,
we call it power on demand, so
maybe I should have bought it then.
Maybe.
I mean, the, the other one, I mean the
one at 6,000 euros is a piece of art.
Yeah.
I mean, it's almost like
a collection racket.
It's a collection racket.
Okay.
That's true.
But this one, which is to play more
practical, it's by far more, much
practicable, and it's even though
more comfortable than the other one.
Wow.
So, so why don't we talk about the All
American Racket, which I love that.
Can we see that one?
Yeah.
How did you come up with that idea?
Well, I think, I think, you know, it's
like, you know, in, in Paddle you get a
player, which is, uh, I can't remember
the name, which is the American captain.
Okay.
But it's an guy.
So as we signed Miko, we were
like, okay, we have to do something
specific for the US market, which
really represent the US market.
So we come up with the idea that taking
one of the rack, two of the racks from
the range and making this beautiful
design, which will make, I, I think
it will be any American person, will
be proud of playing with this rocket.
Is this gonna be a limited edition
or It is a limited edition.
So, and where can they get it?
Well, I, I think through the retailers.
I mean, we are gonna
launch this rack in June.
Oh, it's not out yet.
It's not out yet.
Okay.
It's not out yet.
So it's exclusive here, the launch.
And it will be in June in the
best shops here in the us.
And the Lamborghini racket, is that open
for anyone to purchase it or is it's
also limited edition and very exclusive?
It's a very, very limited edition.
So even though the commercial one, I mean
we only produce 5,000 units and it's like,
uh, maybe here in the US they receive
like, uh, a couple of hundred no more.
So very exclusive, very exclusive.
And how much are they?
The Lamborghinis and And this one?
Well, this one, there are
two different brackets.
So there is one which is at $3.
Oh shit.
Oh, euros fine then.
Yeah, euros is gonna be 320.
And this one, this one is the
320 and the other one is 180.
Okay.
And this one is the one that Nico,
Italy picked, or you guys made for him?
He's the one that Nico
is already playing with.
Okay.
Oh, okay.
So it's exactly the same rabbit.
So we just applied the cosmetics.
Okay.
So tell me about.
I think Le Le, LeBron Juan
LeBron is a great, you know,
we need players like that.
Like Juan LeBron, he loves, you
know, the controversy and all that.
The drama.
Yeah, the drama.
The drama.
They love it.
Love it.
So we do, is that, I mean, is that
what you guys want in a player when you
wanna sponsor a player at that level?
Or did you think you were
gonna go, go into that?
Uh, you know, uh, you know,
because you, he's been using, uh.
A baba for a long time.
Yeah.
10 years.
So I mean 10 years in 27.
Yeah.
So did you expect that
when you signed him?
Uh, no.
No.
I mean, Juan is very special
person is, uh, he has the same
number of love than haters.
Yeah.
Yeah.
Which is good because at the end of the
day you can, I mean, when you become
professional at that level, I mean.
You have to be very, very aggressive.
Well, people attend anyways.
People like drama.
Correct.
But it's, it is like, I mean,
his way is very emotional.
Sure.
Which also show that he's human.
Sure.
So he behave.
He behave like he's, and you see
other players, which they have
a very much, but very much is.
I mean, it's created.
Yeah.
Yeah.
Well, people love the drama.
Yeah, of course.
I mean, people, it's great for
tv, you know, I mean, and we do
and we do sometimes, you know,
when he's quiet we say, okay,
Juan, come on, you're too quiet.
You, you are not like that.
Come, you have to play around.
Yeah.
So he's racket and everybody, and
I asked Alejandra the same thing.
Is his racket different customized
just for him, or is that the racket?
The same racket that everybody will get.
Well, they, they have the same racket,
but it's true that sometimes we
maybe modify the balance of the rack.
Okay.
We add some weight maybe on the
head of the racket because he
wanna have a higher balance.
But it's the same racket
that we, that we market.
Yes.
Fantastic.
Where can they get also the,
the, the liberal racket?
Well, it is the same.
I mean, all the retailers that they
are, I mean, LeBron is not a limited
edition, so any retailer here in
the us, they could carry the rocket.
Fantastic.
I mean, we love Babylon.
We, I've been playing with
Babylon for, for many years.
I mean, we love the brand and, and
thank God you guys into the paddle
and we wish you the best of luck.
Thank you so much, Joseis.
Thank you very much.
Thank you.
And thank you for the ranking.
Paddles.
We're here at Racket Eggs and right
here we're, right now we're at the
booth of Paola Creamy Racket, one
of the top brands in the world.
And next to me, we have the beautiful
and top player in the world.
Alejandra Alonso.
She's number 12 in the world right
now, and she's also a Paola player.
Alejandra, what a great
pleasure to have you here.
Tell us a little bit of where
you're from and, uh, everything
related to to, to Babylon.
Well, uh, yes.
I'm Alejandra Alonso.
I'm from Bio Spain, uh,
little City near Madrid.
And yeah, I'm very happy to be here
with you, with also of you, eh, also in
Miami, eh, with, with this brand, this
amazing brand, pa eh, we are like a
little family, so yeah, I'm very happy.
How long you been playing with baby?
With Paola, eh, three years I think.
Yeah, three years.
Good.
So how long have you been playing
paddle and have you played
another racket sport before?
Yeah, I play tennis before paddle and
I start playing paddle at 12 because
my mother play, so I play with her.
Gotcha.
So how, how did you decide to
transition from tennis to battle?
Uh, well, because I play in,
when I was, uh, young, I made.
Everything with, uh, we are four friends
and we make like everything together.
We play football together, we play paddle
together, we play tennis together, and.
One year, eh, my friends, like, they leave
the tennis and they start playing paddles.
So I start, play, play with, with
them the influence of friends, right?
Yeah.
The peer pressure.
Yeah.
Yeah, yeah.
Yeah.
So how did you, uh, decide
to use Baot or work with Bab?
There's a lot of brands out there.
What made you decide, Hey, I
wanna, I wanna work with Baat?
Yeah.
When Baat called me to sponsor me, eh,
i, I, I am very happy because Baat is.
Just, I said it's like a little family.
It's a, a very, it's a
international brand, eh, tennis,
they have a lot of, um, players.
Very famous.
So it's like a pleasure
to be part of this family.
Yeah.
It has a long history here.
Alejandra.
Let me, you know, I know paddle players
are very peaky, you know, they want
certain weight on the racket on the top.
It's.
And this, this is the racket that
you play with, or your racket is
customized specifically for your game.
Oh, no, no.
This is the racket I I play with,
eh, you can, well, you have it in,
in your hands and this is the same.
And why, why did you decide for the
technical viper, I know the counter
Viper or, or the air, what, how, what
make you start playing with this one?
I decide because, eh, I need
a little bit of potential.
And I think this, this power, yeah, power.
And I think this racket
has the power i, I need.
Um, it is hard, eh, this the,
how do you say, the, the shape,
the shape is is diamond shape.
Yeah.
And also it's very beautiful.
I know.
We love it.
And, and quick question, what size do you
play and who's your partner right now?
Eh, my partner right now
is Alejandra Salazar.
Wow.
You know her, who doesn't
know Alejandra Salazar?
Yeah.
Yeah.
I start playing this year with,
with her, and I'm very happy.
And what's the other question you told?
So what side you play?
400 Backen, uh, in, in Baja backend.
Back ba Good.
And, and if you play bacca mean,
meaning that you, you're a very
powerful, you know, player.
Yeah.
Like, I like to teach basketball.
So what, what, what's your favorite shot?
My favorite shot is Mask
for three.
Yeah.
Yes.
This mask is Mask.
So now something great.
We're gonna tell our audience,
uh, we are gonna be giving away
two of Alejandra Salazar's Rack.
Stay tuned.
I'm sorry.
Alejandra is their partner, a
Alejandra Alonso, we're giving
away two of her rackets signed.
Yes.
Please stay tuned and follow us
on, on Instagram and, and YouTube
because, uh, we're gonna give you the
details, how to get your hands on the,
these beautiful, beautiful rackets.
Thank you.
Thank you, thank you.
Thanks for coming on the show.
Thanks.
Thank you.
Good luck.
Good luck here.
Morning.
Okay.