The Hexagon Cup has officially confirmed its return from  January 28 to February 1, 2026 ,  Magic Box of Madrid .
This competition is not simply a star-studded show: it's a hybrid format, designed to blend athletic performance, marketing, and entertainment. And from one edition to the next, the event reveals padel's evolution towards an increasingly professional model… and one increasingly inspired by major sports leagues.

Franchises that have become true brands

As indicated on the official website, the participating teams — Eleven Team USA (Eva Longoria), 10 Padel Alpine (Pierre Gasly & Loïc Féry), KRÜ Padel by Taktika (Kun Agüero), ADvantage Padel Team (Andy Murray)... — function like real brands with their ambassadors:

  • a strong identity (USA, F1, football, entertainment…),
  • iconic players to embody performance,
  • a ready-to-use storytelling approach to speak to the general public.

We are clearly getting closer to the NBA, MLS or e-sports models (like Squeezie's GP Explorer): the team becomes a product in itself.

How it works: a format calibrated for broadcasting

Each franchise fields three pairs:

  •  a male duo ,
  •  a female duo ,
  •  a Next Gen duo .

Each day features 8 matches, a simple and repetitive format tailored for broadcasters, social networks and “club vs club” consumption that goes beyond simply following players.

This readable and regular format was at the heart of the 2024 edition, was reinforced in 2025, and will be further developed in 2026 with the arrival of more fan experience content.

The Next Gen: an acknowledged laboratory

Each team must include a Next Gen duo.
This is not a detail: it is a strategic tool.

  • to promote young talent before they break through,
  • to give franchises depth and a long-term identity,
  • to offer academies (Nadal Academy, private centers…) a space for visibility.

This is where the Hexagon Cup truly distinguishes itself from the rest of the FIP calendar / Premier Padel.

A prototype for the future of padel?

By mixing:

  • franchises owned by prominent figures,
  • a well-executed television format,
  • global stars,
  • young talents,
  • fan zone and event experience,
Antoine Tricolet

I discovered the Padel I stumbled into Spain at a campsite. I was instantly hooked; passionate about padel, I follow international and regional news with the same excitement as the sport itself.

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