South Africa is preparing for a landmark moment in its sporting history as the country hosts its first-ever professional Premier Padel tournament. From 26 July to 2 August 2026, the Pretoria Premier Padel P1 will transform SunBet Arena at Time Square in Pretoria into the home of the world’s biggest professional padel stars, while giving South African athletes the opportunity to compete against the sport’s elite on home soil.
As the first Premier Padel event to be staged in Sub-Saharan Africa, the tournament represents a significant milestone for both the sport and the continent, promising a week filled with world-class competition, live entertainment and a vibrant festival atmosphere.
A historic first for South African sport
The Pretoria Premier Padel P1 will welcome the world’s top-ranked professional players while showcasing South Africa’s rapidly growing padel community.
Fans are encouraged to secure their tickets through Ticketmaster ahead of what organisers believe will be one of the country’s biggest sporting events of the year.
Beyond the action on court, spectators can expect family-friendly entertainment, interactive fan experiences and a lively atmosphere designed to introduce even more South Africans to one of the world’s fastest-growing sports.
South Africa’s stars ready for the world stage
The tournament offers South Africa’s leading players a rare opportunity to compete against the world’s best without leaving home.
Representing South Africa in the men’s main draw are:
- Richard Ashforth
- Luan Krige
- Egmond Van Heerden
- Jason Milner
- Adam van Harte
- Warren Kuhn
Joining them in the women’s main draw are Wildcard Tournament winners Linge Steenkamp and Zoe Kruger, whose qualification highlights the growing opportunities now available for local athletes.
Another player attracting significant attention is 15-year-old Basma Ali, the youngest competitor in the tournament and one of South Africa’s brightest emerging padel talents. Her participation alongside some of the world’s leading professionals marks an exciting moment for the future of the sport in the country.
More than just elite padel
While the on-court action will be the main attraction, organisers have created a complete entertainment experience throughout the tournament week.
Visitors can enjoy:
- Interactive fan village activations
- Family-friendly entertainment
- Live music
- Tournament hosts and DJs
- Meet-and-greet opportunities with mascot Moyà and the Vibe Squad
Entertainment throughout the week will be led by Jonathan Boynton-Lee and Lebo Mokoena, alongside DJ Nick Explicit, with Moyà, the official tournament mascot known as the Spirit of Pretoria, keeping crowds entertained.
Finals Weekend entertainment
The excitement continues throughout the closing stages of the tournament with a packed entertainment programme.
Friday, 31 July – Quarter-finals
- DJ Maphorisa
- Jose the Best
- Moyà
- Vibe Squad
Saturday, 1 August – Semi-finals
- Timo ODV
- DJ Nick Explicit
- Jose the Best
- Moyà
- Vibe Squad
Sunday, 2 August – Finals
- Chrizz Beatz
- Mzansi Youth Choir
- Jose the Best
- Moyà
- Vibe Squad
A defining moment for the sport
According to Tobie Badenhorst, Vice President of Primedia Sport, the tournament represents far more than another international sporting event.
“The Pretoria Premier Padel P1 is much more than a tournament, it’s a defining moment for padel and for South African 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.”
How to watch
Fans attending in person can purchase tickets through Ticketmaster.
Those unable to travel to Pretoria will still be able to follow every major moment of the tournament.
The main draw will be broadcast live on ESPN across Sub-Saharan Africa from 27 July to 2 August 2026, available on:
- DStv Channel 218
- StarTimes Channel 248
- ESPN linear channels on Disney+ in South Africa
The tournament will also stream globally on Red Bull TV from 31 July to 2 August, while Canal+ will broadcast coverage for French-speaking audiences.
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 leading players, South Africa’s top talent and a full programme of entertainment under one roof, the Pretoria Premier Padel P1 is set to become one of the country’s most significant sporting events of 2026 while introducing a new era for professional padel across the African continent.
