Thursday May 14, 2026
Thursday May 14, 2026
Friday, 8 May 2026 01:47 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The highly anticipated Sri Lanka Padel League (SLPL) 2026 Player Auction concluded in dramatic fashion with fierce bidding wars, strategic franchise moves and a strong influx of international talent confirming that Season Two is set to elevate the competition significantly.
Held ahead of the tournament’s return from 18 to 21 June at Padel House, the auction brought together franchise owners, team managers, retained players and league partners in a room filled with tension, strategy and anticipation.
Broadcast live via PEO TV on PEO Sports 1, the PEO Mobile App and the KSN Live YouTube Channel, the auction showcased the growing scale and professionalism of franchise padel in Sri Lanka.
The biggest bidding battle of the night saw Amritha Muttiah become the highest bid player of the auction, with Yala Rangers securing her for Rs. 185,000 after an intense contest involving multiple franchises. The evening also highlighted the increasing value of elite female players, with Dinali De Silva, Shenalie Weerasekera and Upeka Wijeratne drawing major interest across the room.
The auction further reflected the growing crossover between racket sports in Sri Lanka, with several leading tennis players drafted across the league’s eight franchises. Among the standout acquisitions were the De Saram brothers, Jayin and Jaitra De Saram, whose move to Weligama Sharks generated excitement throughout the evening.
International talent played a major role in the auction, with 12 overseas athletes selected across franchises, including Martim Café and Rodrigo Nunes from Portugal. The player pool also featured two female athletes from the Saudi Arabia National Padel Team through the league’s association with the Gaby Reca Academy, reinforcing SLPL’s growing international reach.
“As the auctioneer, I had a front-row seat to the intensity and strategy that unfolded throughout the night,” said League Director Karin Wijeratne. “The level of competition has evolved dramatically in just one year. Every team has come back stronger, smarter and more prepared — and the rivalries are very real now.”
Yala Rangers Co-Owner Shamal Perera said, “Securing Amritha was a major moment for us and a clear statement of intent. We believe this squad has the balance, experience and hunger to seriously compete for the title this season.”
TPL Director and Ahangama Ballers Co-Owner said, “For a new franchise, this auction was all about building the right foundation. We’re extremely happy with the balance, character and competitive edge within this squad.”
Owned and operated by Eventistry Sports, founded by Karin Wijeratne, Ifham Ariff and Ishara Gooneratne, SLPL 2026 is backed by Standard Chartered Priority Banking as Title Partner and Hutch as Powered By Partner, with matches broadcast via PEO TV along with a host of other league partners.
From record bids to international signings and emerging rivalries, the SLPL 2026 Player Auction made one thing clear: Season Two is no longer about potential. It’s about escalation.
