The International Tennis Federation (ITF) and the investment group Kosmos, owned by former footballer Gerard Piqué, have reached an amicable agreement to resolve their dispute over the organization of the Davis Cup. The conflict arose after the termination of a 25-year contract signed in 2018, under which Kosmos would invest $3 billion in the competition. The ITF terminated the agreement in January 2023, leading Kosmos to file a lawsuit for “unjustified termination” and seek up to $50 million in compensation.

The controversy began with the 2019 reform of the Davis Cup, which eliminated the traditional knockout rounds and was met with criticism. Despite the challenges, Piqué defends his attempt to revitalize the competition, highlighting the participation of top players like Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. However, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted Kosmos’ plans, complicating its relationship with the ITF.

THE AGREEMENT AND ITS IMPACT

The amicable agreement between the ITF and Kosmos puts an end to the legal disputes between the two parties. While specific details of the agreement have not been disclosed, it has been confirmed that both organizations wish each other luck in their future projects. This closure marks the end of the collaboration between Kosmos and the ITF in the Davis Cup, allowing the ITF to regain full control of the competition and return to its traditional format.

The resolution of this conflict is crucial for the future of the Davis Cup, as it allows the ITF to focus on organizing and promoting the tournament without the legal tensions that arose after the contract’s termination. Additionally, the agreement reflects the complexity of relationships between sports organizations and private investors, where changes in format and financial expectations can lead to significant tensions.