Indonesian Padel League 2026 to Launch as Asia's First Professional Competition

Indonesia is set to make history in the sport of padel with the upcoming launch of the Indonesian Padel League (IPL) 2026. This marks the debut of Asia's first professional, club-based padel competition, with its inaugural season scheduled from August 2026 to February 2027.

The IPL 2026 is a collaborative effort between PT Liga Padel Indonesia and the Indonesian Padel Association (PBPI). Its establishment is intended to foster a more structured, competitive, and sustainable ecosystem for padel in Indonesia. Officials believe the league will not only elevate the sport but also provide a crucial platform for players to transition into professional athletes and secure a reliable income.

Rudi Laksmana, Director of PT Liga Padel Indonesia, highlighted the rapid growth of padel in Indonesia over the past two years, noting increases in both player numbers and facilities. He emphasized the league's role in supporting this growth and creating opportunities for players, referees, organizers, and even small businesses around the venues.

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Today we are trusted to realize what we have dreamed of together, namely a league that can make players professional athletes and also become a source of income. This league also becomes an ecosystem that involves many parties, from players, referees, organizers, to SMEs around the arena.

Galih Kartasasmita, Chairman of PBPI, views the professional league as a vital step toward ensuring athlete welfare. He explained that currently, athletes often rely solely on tournament prize money, lacking long-term career stability. The IPL aims to change this by providing clubs, contracts, regular training, and sustainable income, thereby securing the future of Indonesian padel athletes and stimulating the growth of the national padel industry.

The league will feature 12 professional city-based clubs, chosen through a rigorous selection process. As of the partnership signing, 120 clubs had registered their interest, indicating strong enthusiasm for the new competition. Only those meeting stringent requirements will make the final cut.

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In any sport, the league is the home for athletes. That's where they have clubs, get contracts, train regularly, and earn sustainable income. Therefore, we want to build an ecosystem that truly guarantees the future of Indonesian padel athletes.