Laurent Aznar: “Many developments expected for 2026”

Present at WinWin P2000 Padel Cabries, Laurent Aznar, president of the Federal Commission Padel, provided a comprehensive update on upcoming developments in the organization of federal padel. From format reform to calendar management and digital tools, the interview covered many areas.

A “classic” but open Federal Commission

After a phase where the National Council of Padel integrated representatives of private structures, the FFT returned to a more conventional organization. From now on, the Federal Commission Padel regroup 14 representatives of regional leagues, while remaining open to workgroups with experts from the private sector.

"The rise of padel has taken place. Today, we're returning to a more traditional organization, but we're continuing to bring together goodwill for the development of padel," emphasizes Laurent Aznar.

A consultative but structuring role

The Commission, although it is not not decision-maker, plays a driving role. She proposes regulations, development axes et coordinates calendars national competitions. These proposals are then submitted for validation by the Federal Committee, whose next meeting is scheduled for 27 June.

Among the expected decisions: the allocation of places for the French Championships or the next stages of the P2000, the dates of which are already known.

The P50: a new category to fill a gap

One of the major new features proposed for 2026 is the creation of the category P50, who would come to be inserted between the P25 and the P100.

"The P25 must remain a gateway. However, we see that the level of the P100 is already high. The P50 will allow a smoother transition to competition."

Changes among young people too

Another important development: the French Interleague Championship will move from the category U14 to U12. At the same time, the FFT wishes create a French U14 team championship to fill the void left.

Diversity: towards total openness

From next season, Ranking limitations on mixed tournaments will be removed, at least until P250. A decision which aims to promote participation and conviviality, especially for beginners or couples wishing to play together.

A new format for the P25

To respond to criticism of the overly short formats of the P25s (often contested in super tie-break), A new F format is proposed:

Set of 4 games
No-ad (no benefit)
Tie-break at 3-3

"It will be a more complete format than the current super tie-break, while remaining suitable for accessible competitions."

P1000s in the hands of the leagues: a full-scale test

Another major change: the P1000 management is now assigned to the leagues, With a quota by regionA coordination challenge is posed to avoid overlaps.

"The challenge is for the leagues to synchronize. We no longer want situations with three P3s within a two-hour drive, as was recently seen in Paris, Rouen, and Carquefou."

The objective would be to not not exceed 2 to 3 P1000 per week, while maintaining a only female P1000 at a time.

Towards a dual tennis/padel club connection

On the IT front, a major advance is expected: the possibility for a licensee to be attached to both a tennis club and a padel club.

"This should be in place by the start of next season. Further technical developments will take place during 2026."

And what about seniors in all this?

the development of senior competitions continue. If the over 45 years already have their championship, the over 55 years could follow as soon as 2026.

"It's still being budgeted, but it's in the pipeline. Regional championships already exist."

Franck Binisti

Franck Binisti discovered padel at the Club des Pyramides in 2009 in the Paris region. Since then, padel has been part of his life. You often see him touring France to cover major French padel events.