SLPL returns bigger, bolder and unstoppable for second edition
Colombo will enter the arena once again from June 19 to 21 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.
Title partner Standard Chartered Bank presenting their sponsorship soon after the SLPL trophy was unvieled
“Season One validated the demand for structured franchise padel in Sri Lanka,” said League Director Karin Wijeratne.
“Season Two is about elevation. By opening the SLPL 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.
“Winning the inaugural season was historic for us,” said Viren Beruwalage, owner of Colombo Aces.
“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 with the closing date set for April 14 via slpadelleague.com. Commercially, the SLPL 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.
“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,” Executive Director, Head of Wealth and Retail Banking of Standard Chartered Chamikara Wijesinghe commented.
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 as energy partner, Sports Nutrition Hub as hydration partner, Food Studio as food and beverage partner, Taru Villas as destination partner, Padel House as venue partner, Richardson Media as outdoor partner, Winfield as branding partner, AV One as Audio and video partner, and Elevate by Jetwing as hospitality partner, reflecting the league’s expanding commercial footprint and execution strength both on and off the court.
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.