The countdown is on. From 26 July to 2 August 2026, South Africa will make sporting history as it hosts its first-ever professional Premier Padel tournament. Taking place at SunBet Arena at Time Square, Pretoria, the Pretoria Premier Padel P1 will welcome the world’s best players to Sub-Saharan Africa for what promises to be a landmark moment for both the sport and the continent.
As anticipation builds ahead of the opening matches, fans are encouraged to secure their tickets via ticketmaster and prepare for an unforgettable week of elite competition, world-class entertainment and a festival atmosphere unlike anything previously seen at a padel event in South Africa.
World-class stars, homegrown heroes and tomorrow’s talent
The Pretoria Premier Padel P1 will showcase the very best of international padel while providing South Africa’s leading players with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to compete against the world’s elite on home soil.
Representing South Africa in the men’s main draw are top-ranked players Richard Ashforth and Luan Krige; Egmond Van Heerden and Jason Milner as well as Adam van Harte and Warren Kuhn, who will proudly fly the national flag against some of the biggest names in the sport. Joining them in the female’s main draw are Wildcard Tournament winners, Linge Steenkamp and Zoe Kruger, whose qualification is a reflection of the rapid growth of padel in South Africa and the emerging pathway now available for local athletes to compete on the international stage.
Fans should also keep an eye on 15-year-old Basma Ali, the youngest player in the tournament and one of South Africa’s brightest rising stars. Competing alongside the world’s best at such a young age is a remarkable achievement and highlights the exciting future of South African padel.
More than a tournament
Whether you’re a lifelong padel fan or discovering the sport for the first time, the Pretoria Premier Padel P1 promises far more than world-class competition. Throughout the week, fans can enjoy live entertainment, family-friendly and interactive activations at the fan village, creating an electric atmosphere both on and off the court.
Co-hosts Jonathan Boynton-Lee and Lebo Mokoena will lead the entertainment throughout the tournament, alongside DJ Nick Explicit, while Moyà, the official tournament mascot and the Spirit of Pretoria, and the Vibe Squad will keep fans entertained across the venue.
The excitement reaches another level during Finals Weekend:
- Friday, 31 July (Quarter-finals): DJ Maphorisa, ‘Jose the Best’, Moyà and the Vibe Squad
- Saturday, 1 August (Semi-finals): Timo ODV, DJ Nick Explicit, ‘Jose the Best’, Moyà and the Vibe Squad
- Sunday, 2 August (Finals): Chrizz Beatz, the Mzansi Youth Choir, ‘Jose the Best’, Moyà and the Vibe Squad
Be part of South African sporting history
Tickets are available through ticketmaster, offering fans the opportunity to witness the world’s biggest professional padel tour compete in South Africa for the very first time.
“The Pretoria Premier Padel P1 is much more than a tournament, it’s a defining moment for padel and for South African sport,” said Tobie Badenhorst, Vice President of Primedia Sport. “For the first time, South African fans will experience the world’s best professional padel players competing on home soil, while our own athletes have the opportunity to measure themselves against the very best. We look forward to welcoming fans to what promises to be an unforgettable week of sport, entertainment and celebration.”
Watch live from anywhere
Fans unable to attend in person will be able to follow the main draw of the Premier Padel Pretoria tournament live on ESPN (across Sub-Saharan Africa on DStv Channel 218, StarTimes Channel 248 or on the ESPN linear channels on Disney+ in South Africa) from 27 July – 2 August 2026.
The tournament will also be streamed globally on Red Bull TV from Friday, 31 July 2026 – Sunday, 2 August 2026. Furthermore, the tournament will also be carried on Canal+ (French speaking only platform). This multi-platform broadcast strategy ensures both global reach and deep regional penetration, bringing world-class padel to millions of viewers.
Broadcast schedule
- Monday, 27 July: Opening Round – 17:00
- Tuesday, 28 July: First Round – 09:00
- Wednesday, 29 July: Second Round – 09:00
- Thursday, 30 July: Round of 16 – 10:00
- Friday, 31 July: Quarter-finals – 10:00
- Saturday, 1 August: Women’s Semi-finals (From 13:00) | Men’s Semi-finals (From 17:00)
- Sunday, 2 August: Women’s Final (13:00) | Men’s Final (15:00)
With the world’s best players, South Africa’s top talent and an exciting entertainment programme all under one roof, the Pretoria Premier Padel P1 is set to deliver an unforgettable week and mark the beginning of a new chapter for padel in South Africa.
