In December 2024, four visionary pickleball advocates—Eric Poon, Michael Johnson, Steve Kuhn, and Alex Yuen—met in Hong Kong determined to unite Asia’s scattered amateur clubs under one electrifying banner. The result is Pickleball Champions League Asia (PCL Asia)—a circuit that invites local club teams to chase national titles before squaring off for regional supremacy and serious prize money.
How the Format Works
- Local Mini‑Tournaments – Each participating country hosts a month‑long series of city qualifiers.
- National Finals – City champions clash for the right to wear their country’s colors.
- Continental Championship – National winners receive expenses‑paid trips to a rotating host city for the grand showdown. Cash, medals, and bragging rights are all on the line.
With multiple seasons every calendar year, the league keeps paddles swinging and fans cheering virtually year‑round.
2025 Season Progress
After the league‑wide Season Kick‑Off celebrations in February, action has shifted to Vietnam, where qualifiers in Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City are now entering their final stretch. The nation will crown its first PCL Asia champion on 12–13 July—and once the confetti settles, the spotlight swings to Malaysia for a month of regional showdowns starting 4 July.
Vietnam Leg
- Qualifiers: 7–28 June 2025 in Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City (four consecutive weekends).
- Vietnam Finals: 12–13 July 2025 in Ho Chi Minh City. The champions pocket US $5,000 and secure their ticket to the PCL Asia Championships in Shenzhen, China (9–10 August 2025).
Malaysia Leg
- Qualifiers: 4 July, 11 July, and 18 July 2025 in Perak, Penang, and Johor.
- Malaysia Finals: 25 July 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, where the national crown and a berth at the PCL Asia Championships in Shenzhen (9–10 August 2025) are on the line.
Stay tuned for official announcements for the remaining countries.
Spotlight on Vietnam: A Four‑Week Festival
Vietnam’s inaugural run is already the talk of Southeast Asian pickleball. From the historic streets of Hanoi to the beach‑side courts of Da Nang, excitement builds toward the showdown in Ho Chi Minh City, where group winners will duel for glory and the right to represent Vietnam on the continental stage.
Malaysia Joins the Party
Next stop: Malaysia, where regional titans from Penang and Johor collide with rising talent from Perak in a month‑long race to the Kuala Lumpur finals. Expect packed stands, livestream hype, and one club lifting the Jalur Gemilang high.
Why PCL Asia Matters
- Accelerated Player Development – Regular, high‑stakes competition helps amateurs sharpen skills faster than isolated local events ever could.
- Community & Camaraderie – Traveling together and cheering for national squads forge friendships that transcend borders.
- Economic Impact – Host cities gain tourism revenue, local jobs, and new sponsors—from sportswear to hospitality—keen to ride pickleball’s meteoric rise.
- Elevated Visibility – Media coverage and streaming partnerships position Asia as a major player in the global pickleball conversation.
Get Involved
- Teams & Clubs: Applications for upcoming seasons are open now at pclasia.org.
- Volunteers & Officials: From line judges to event staff, there’s a role for everyone who loves the sport.
- Sponsors & Partners: Align your brand with a fast‑growing, family‑friendly pastime that’s sweeping Asia.
Continental Showdown Ahead
The grand finale is locked in: Shenzhen, China, 9–10 August 2025. National champions from across Asia will clash for the inaugural PCL Asia crown and a substantial prize purse (details coming soon).
Stay tuned for streaming platforms, ticket information, and the rollout of additional qualifier calendars across the region.
PCL Asia is more than a league—it’s a movement. Whether you’re a seasoned club captain in Kuala Lumpur, a weekend warrior in Hanoi, or a curious newcomer in Da Nang, there’s never been a better time to grab a paddle and join the celebration. See you on the court!
