While the APT Padel Tour and the World Padel Tour seemed to be engaged in a two-man battle to be the benchmark circuit for the next few years, a third actor is joining the fight: a certain Lisandro Borges…

2023, the key date

Currently, we can say that the World Padel Tour is the circuit of padel reference professional. If the APT Padel Tour makes its hole and has undeniable talents, the very best players on the planet are still under contract with the WPT until 2023.

To remain (or become) the benchmark circuit, it is imperative to include the stars of the padel world that are Juan Lebron, Ale Galan, Sanyo Gutierrez, Fernando Belasteguin, Agustin Tapia, Juan Tello, Paquito Navarro etc. All these ultra spectacular and charismatic players, who raise the crowds.

Juan Tello recovery wpt malaga Open WPT 2021

In a monopoly situation since 2013, the WPT has seen the competition organize itself. If he had managed to win the battle against the International Padel Tour in 2018 (its players then signing a new exclusive 5-year contract), the circuit which belongs to Estrella Damm wants to avoid a new duel with an uncertain outcome against Fabrice Pastor. This is why he recently offered players a contract extension until 2028. But, as the Argentinian newspaper Olé tells us, this one would have been refused by the players...

The APT, a serious competitor

Le padel More and more professional interest, and businessmen are aware of it. APT Padel Round fired first in greatly increasing its prize-money for 2022. The circuit, whose general manager Thomas Johansson has more serious assets to seduce the players: many countries visited, broadcasts from the round of XNUMX, accommodation and meals provided even for those starting in qualifying etc. . After only two years of existence, the APT Padel Tour shows that he is able to manage tournaments of a very high level and shows his willingness to help players live their passion as comfortably as possible.

Melgratti Chiostri APT Kungsbacka Open II

Faced with such a competitor, the World Padel Tour couldn't sit idly by. After having welcomed a new shareholder, Rucio Investments, specialist in professional sport, the current benchmark circuit also announced want to broadcast more matches in 2022.

Important measures, which were accompanied by an offer of extension to the players, but which are obviously not sufficient for the moment to encourage them to commit until 2028. The stakes are high for the WPT. Indeed, at a time when the Scandinavian countries, but also from the Gulf, are more and more fond of padel, it would be interesting to sell tournament dates all over the world for the next few years. But that is impossible until the best players re-sign. And the latter are getting organized: their Association has more and more members, with a large part of Top 100 players. A rapid extension is therefore greatly desired on the side of the circuit.

Lisandro Borges enters the dance

But she could be delayed. Since in addition to the APT, it is now with a certain Lisandro Borges that the WPT will have to “fight”. After the success of the first edition of theAmerica VS Europe, the former president of the Argentine federation now wants to offer a new alternative to players! Most of the players he knows very well since, in addition to this “Ryder Cup of padel”, The Argentinean has already organized many events, such as the superb exhibition at the Iguaçu Falls.

 

The businessman, as he confided to Olé, has a very clear idea in mind: “Present a proposal to the players who would see them have 50% of the circuit and its profits”.

A certainly tempting offer, which the Players' Association will want to listen to carefully before making a decision.

Potentially three circuits are therefore the eyes of the stars of the padel world for 2023, obviously good news for players of padel professionals, who will be able to choose the most tempting offer and always live better from their passion!

Xan is a fan of padel. But also rugby! And his posts are just as punchy. Physical trainer of several padel, he unearths atypical posts or deals with topical subjects. It also gives you some tips to develop your physique for the padel. Clearly, he imposes his offensive style as on the field of padel !