A1 Padel tries a big shot: a financial offer to the players of the top 150 FIP to make them switch

As the conflict between Premier Padel and a part of the professional players still remains unresolved, A1 Padel goes on the offensive. The circuit led by Fabrice Pastor officially transmitted a personalized financial proposal to players in the top 150 of the FIP ranking, with the aim of attracting them to its circuit.

According to information from BRAND, this proposal takes the form of a precise economic picture, which details the bonuses awarded to each player based on their ranking… and the number of A1 tournaments Padel to which he commits.

A tailor-made offer based on the number of tournaments

The table of which BRAND obtained a copy reveals a rapid progression of earnings depending on the number of tournaments played. Three major levels have been established:

5 tournaments : from 3.000 € to 40.000 €
10 tournaments : from 7.000 € to 400.000 €
Grand Master + 60% of the Open : from 9.500 € to 500.000 €

Let's take a concrete example: Agustín Tapia, current world number 1. If he agreed to compete two A1 tests Padel, he would receive €5.000 per tournament. By signing for 10, it would be a check for €400.000, and 500.000 € for a full year-round commitment. Amounts never before seen on this circuit.

A countdown has begun

The players have until April 15 to give their answer. This proposal comes in a delicate context to Premier Padel, mired in an open crisis with part of the circuit, as evidenced by the boycotts of the P2 of Gijón and Cancún at the start of the year.

La PPA (Players' Association) confirmed that A1's offer Padel has been sent individually, and that each player remains free to make his own choices. Several players contacted by BRAND show do not exclude anything and say they are open to the possibility of compete in a few isolated events, depending on calendar availability.

A dynamic already underway

This strategy is not new. Since the beginning of the season, more than 15 players ranked between 60th and 185th place FIP have already joined A1 Padel, fleeing the lack of visibility or space in the main tables of Premier Padel. Among them: Cristian Gutiérrez, Raúl Marcos, Miguel González, Víctor Mena or Pedro Meléndez.

Otherwise, Álex Ruiz, president of the PPA, had almost become the first top 20 to take the plunge by registering for the Tucumán Open with Alex Chozas. Eventually, the pair parted ways, but this signal shows that the breach is open.

Towards a gradual exodus?

With such an offer and well-chosen timing, A1 Padel plays an ambitious card to attract players tired of the tensions within Premier PadelThe FIP's saturated calendar, the uncertainties surrounding certain tournaments, and the possibility of better economic and sporting treatment elsewhere could end up convincing more than one player in the top 150 to change course.

April 15, the deadline given by the Pastor circuit, could thus mark a strategic turning point for the balance of power in professional padel.

Benjamin Dupouy

I discovered padel directly during a tournament, and frankly, I didn't really like it at first. But the second time, it was love at first sight, and since then, I haven't missed a single match. I'm even ready to stay up until 3am to watch a final of Premier Padel !