For many months, Premier Padel It gave the impression of a circuit still under construction, sometimes overtaken by its own ambitions. After the tensions of 2025 and several complicated episodes, the circuit seems to have changed its approach in 2026: more dialogue with the players, a redesigned calendar, and changes that directly address some of their requests. In France, this new dynamic will soon be put to the test with the Paris Major.

Players, agents of change

After the tensions that marked the 2025 season, Premier Padel and the FIP have increased their discussions with player representatives. This willingness to consult has notably led to several changes to the circuit for 2026. Nearly  75% of tournaments are now played indoors , a decision made after consulting the players, while the new  Star Point  was also introduced after several discussions with the various stakeholders in the circuit.

The  Clear progress, but there is still room for improvement. The French number 2,  Léa Godallier He also confided to our microphone last July his wish to see  evolve the points system which can sometimes lead some pairs to favor FIP tournaments over the stages  P2 of Premier Padel .

Léa Godallier speaking to Padel Magazine : “The points system must continue to evolve.

Adjustments have already been made, but they remain insufficient. We held a meeting with the players' association in Rome, during which several proposals were presented to the FIP and to Premier Padel.

We'll see now if they decide to listen to us. If not, we'll have to continue adapting and adopting a strategic approach, both on and off the field.

Léa Godallier: "Today, you have to be just as strategic off the field as you are on the field."

A calendar that is evolving

Perhaps the most visible change concerns the schedule. Weather conditions and match interruptions had regularly fueled discussions in recent seasons. The arrival of  Pretoria and London on the calendar , two new destinations for Premier Padel, turned out to be  a success confirming the circuit's desire to open up to new markets. For 2026, Premier Padel has therefore chosen to favour covered venues, but France is an exception.  The Paris Major, organized at Roland-Garros from September 7 to 13, remains played outdoors.  (Even though the central one has a roof)

It's an almost paradoxical choice, given that the circuit is precisely trying to reduce the risks associated with playing conditions. But Roland-Garros has a unique identity and is now one of the unmissable events on the calendar. Premier Padel.

Bordeaux then Paris: France at the heart of the second half of the season

Moreover, France is no longer just one stop among many.  Bordeaux hosted a P2 at the end of June-beginning of July , before Paris takes over in September.

For French players, this increased presence of the circuit at home obviously represents an additional opportunity to compete at the highest level in front of their own fans. But it also constitutes a test for Premier Padel :  Having evolved considerably in its way of working with players, the circuit now needs to show that these changes can produce a more stable and readable experience.  And the Paris Major will be an excellent indicator.

Premier Padel This obviously hasn't erased the tensions of recent years in just a few months. But the change in approach is real:  player consultation, calendar evolution, format considerations and rule adaptation .

The question, therefore, may no longer be whether Premier Padel listens to his players, but  How far can this new relationship go? .

And for French padel, the date is already set:  From September 7th to 13th, Roland-Garros will host the Paris Major A new opportunity to measure the progress of the circuit… and that of the French.

Raphael Degironde

As a padel fan and player, I scan the padel scene: Beware, you are being watched!

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