Sri Lanka’s First Franchise-Based Padel League
For those unfamiliar with padel, it’s a fast-paced racquet sport that combines elements of tennis and squash, played on a smaller, enclosed court
A new era of sport has officially taken centre court in Sri Lanka with the launch of the Sri Lanka Padel League (SLPL); the nation’s first-ever franchise-based padel tournament. The much-anticipated announcement was made at a dynamic press conference held on April 3rd, 2025, at Playtrix Sports Bar & Pub in Colombo.
The event brought together key stakeholders from across the sporting and business communities, including media, sponsors, partners, and potential franchise owners, all eager to be part of this pioneering chapter in Sri Lankan sport. Spearheaded by Eventistry Sports, the SLPL is set to deliver its debut season over three adrenaline-charged match days, June 21st, 22nd, and 23rd, at the Padel House courts at CR&FC, Colombo. The tournament will feature six regional franchise teams, each celebrating the vibrancy and diversity of Sri Lanka’s landscape and culture:
- Colombo Chargers
- Yala Rangers
- Hikkaduwa Riders
- Ella Hawks
- Arugambay Vipers
- Trinco Warriors
The league format promises to blend high-energy competition with deep-rooted local identity. “We created SLPL because we believe Sri Lanka is ready for a new kind of sport; fast, high-energy, and deeply community-driven,” said Karin Wijeratne, Director of Eventistry Sports. “Franchise sport brings a sense of pride and belonging, and with padel being the fastest-growing sport in the world, this is the perfect moment to build something that blends competition with culture.” Adding to the build-up is the official player auction, set for May 16th at The Vault, Colombo City Centre. There, franchise owners will draft their dream teams from a curated selection of the island’s top pro and intermediate padel talent, intensifying the buzz around the league and introducing a compelling blend of competition and strategy.
At the centre of this bold initiative is Padel House, the official venue partner and driving force behind the sport’s rise in Sri Lanka. “Partnering with SLPL is an exciting leap forward for padel in Sri Lanka,” said Rajeev Rajapakse, Co-founder of Padel House. “This league creates a national platform for players, builds awareness of the sport, and opens doors for fans, brands, and communities to come together.”
For those unfamiliar with padel, it’s a fast-paced racquet sport that combines elements of tennis and squash, played on a smaller, enclosed court. It’s easy-to-learn, hard-to-master nature has made it one of the fastest-growing sports globally, with over 25 million active players across Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. Now, with SLPL, Sri Lanka is preparing to join that global stage. What makes SLPL particularly innovative is its franchise-based model, echoing the success of globally renowned sporting leagues such as the IPL. Each team operates under private ownership with unique branding, regional outreach, and recruitment strategies. The league has already opened team ownership and player registration to international applicants, drawing widespread interest from local and overseas investors seeking to be part of a movement that’s more than just sport; it’s a lifestyle and a community.
SLPL also aims to deliver an immersive experience beyond the court. Plans are already in motion for live broadcast coverage, sponsor activations, and engaging fan experiences that will redefine how Sri Lankans interact with emerging sports. With a fresh, youthful spirit and forward-thinking leadership, SLPL is quickly gaining traction as a transformative force in the local sporting landscape. It is not only creating a national platform for players but also setting the stage for new business opportunities, tourism potential, and community engagement. Whether you’re a seasoned padel player, an enthusiastic newcomer, or a brand looking for a bold new space to engage with passionate audiences, SLPL is the gateway to the next big thing in Sri Lankan sport. To follow the SLPL journey, register to play, or inquire about franchise ownership, visit:
www.slpadelleague.com
As Sri Lanka prepares for its first official padel league season this June, one thing is clear, the future of sport has arrived, and it’s fast, fun, and fiercely Sri Lankan.
