South Africa is set to make sporting history as it prepares to host its first-ever international padel tournament, the Pretoria Premier Padel P2, a major milestone for the rapidly growing sport.
Scheduled from 26 July to 2 August 2026 at the iconic SunBet Arena at Time Square, the tournament will bring the world’s top padel players to local shores as part of the globally recognised Premier Padel Tour.
Tickets for the landmark event are now officially on sale via Ticketmaster, giving fans the opportunity to experience elite-level padel competition live for the first time in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The event forms part of the international calendar governed by the International Padel Federation, with valuable ranking points up for grabs. It also signals the continued global expansion of padel, a sport that has experienced rapid growth in recent years.
South Africa has already embraced the sport, with approximately 450 clubs, more than 1,400 courts, and an estimated 500,000 amateur players nationwide. The Pretoria P2 tournament is expected to accelerate this growth by integrating local players into the global stage through wildcard entries and qualification pathways.
Global audiences will be able to follow the action live via Red Bull TV, while viewers across the continent can tune in through ESPN Africa. Additional coverage will be available on platforms operated by The Walt Disney Company Africa, ensuring extensive reach.
The tournament will be promoted by Primedia Sport, a key player in delivering major sporting events across the continent.
According to Vice President Tobie Badenhorst, hosting the event represents
a defining moment for South African sport,offering both a premium fan experience and valuable opportunities for local athletes.
With a strong lineup of international and local partners, including Heineken 0.0, Bullpadel, and Sun International, the event is poised to deliver a world-class spectacle.
As part of a 2026 season featuring 25 tournaments across 17 countries, the arrival of Premier Padel in Pretoria highlights the sport’s rapid rise and its expanding footprint in emerging markets such as Africa.
The countdown has officially begun for what promises to be a groundbreaking moment, not just for padel, but for South African sport as a whole.