Sri Lanka Padel League returns bigger, bolder in June

Colombo will enter the arena once again from 19 to 21 June as the Sri Lanka Padel League (SLPL) returns to Padel House for a second season that signals the rapid rise of franchise padel in the region.

Following a breakthrough inaugural year, SLPL 2026 arrives sharper, stronger and more ambitious — with expanded media coverage, enhanced broadcast production and, for the first time, international player participation. In just its second year, SLPL 2026 cements Sri Lanka as South Asia’s emerging franchise padel destination.

The league is owned and operated by Eventistry Sports, founded by Karin Wijeratne, Ifham Ariff and Ishara Gooneratne, with the vision of professionalising padel locally and building a structured franchise ecosystem around one of the world’s fastest-growing sports.

League Director Karin Wijeratne said: “Season One validated the demand for structured franchise padel in Sri Lanka. Season Two is about elevation. By opening the league to international players, strengthening our competitive framework and enhancing production standards, we are taking the next definitive step in the evolution of franchise sport in this country.”

Eight corporate-backed franchises will compete this year: Yala Rangers, Trinco Titans, Ahangama Ballers, Colombo Aces, Weligama Sharks, Galle Fort Mariners, Ella Archers and Trinco Recovery Room. Six return from Season One, while Ahangama Ballers and Weligama Sharks make their league debut, looking to assert immediate impact.

Defending champions Colombo Aces return with momentum after setting the benchmark last year, narrowly ahead of Galle Fort Mariners and Trinco Titans in a fiercely contested finish.

Colombo Aces owner Viren Beruwalage said: “Winning the inaugural season was historic for us. But defending it is what builds legacy. We’ve set the benchmark — and we intend to bring that trophy back where it belongs.”

SLPL 2026 will continue its high-intensity Men’s, Women’s and Mixed format, with franchises assembling their squads through a live Player Auction scheduled for April. In a significant shift, the auction will no longer divide players into categories — placing full strategic control in the hands of franchise owners.

Player registrations are now officially open to both local and international athletes, with no ranking or age restrictions. All registered players will enter directly into the April auction pool. Registrations close 14 April 2026 via slpadelleague.com. Player Auction will be on 24 April 2026.

Commercially, the league enters a new growth phase with Standard Chartered Priority Banking joining as Title Partner for the first time, and Hutch Telecommunications powering the league’s expansion as Powered By Partner. The tournament will once again be broadcast nationwide via PEO TV, with production delivered by Key Sports Network, while E FM joins as the official Radio Partner — strengthening the league’s multi-platform reach across Sri Lanka.

The SLPL partner ecosystem further includes Red Bull (Energy Partner), Sports Nutrition Hub (Hydration Partner), Food Studio (Food and Beverage Partner), Taru Villas (Destination Partner), Padel House (Venue Partner), Richardson Media (Outdoor Partner), Winfield (Branding Partner), AV One (AV Partner), and Elevate by Jetwing (Hospitality Partner), reflecting the league’s expanding commercial footprint and execution strength both on and off the court.

Standard Chartered Head of Wealth and Retail Banking Executive Director, Chamikara Wijesinghe said: “We are pleased to come on board as Title Partner for the second edition of the SLPL. With Padel gaining strong traction among our high-net-worth clients, the league provides a natural platform for us to engage with them through a sport they actively enjoy. Through this partnership, we look forward to curating exclusive, lifestyle-led experiences that reflect the premium and personalised engagement our wealth clients value, while bringing together Sri Lanka’s growing padel community.”

Beyond competition, SLPL continues its partnership with 1Works, supporting Navodhya and Justice for Animals, ensuring that the league’s growth contributes meaningfully to social impact initiatives.