Pickleball’s rise in Asia takes another significant step this month, with Media Prima Bhd confirmed as the official media partner for the inaugural PPA Asia 1000 Leapmotor Kuala Lumpur Cup.
The collaboration with United Pickleball Association Asia (UPA Asia) is designed to push the sport further into the mainstream, ensuring fans across Malaysia can follow the action as it unfolds. The five‑day tournament runs from 9 to 13 September at The Hood in Kuala Lumpur, and it is already being billed as one of the standout fixtures on the 2026 Professional Pickleball Association Tour Asia calendar.
Global Rankings on the Line
This year marks a turning point for the tour, with results feeding directly into the World Pickleball Rankings. That means regional and local athletes now have a clear pathway to the global stage, adding extra weight to every match played.
International stars are set to headline the event, including Bolivia’s Gabriel Tardio, currently ranked No. 2 in the men’s world rankings, and Chinese Taipei’s Chao Yi Wang, ranked No. 11 in the women’s. Malaysia will also be well represented, with national favourites Jimmy Liong Kai Long, Syed Uzair Sufi, and rising talent Timothy Foo confirmed to compete. More names are expected to be announced in the days leading up to the tournament.
Media Ecosystem in Full Swing
To build momentum, Media Prima will activate its full media ecosystem. Coverage will span television networks, REV Media Group, Media Prima Audio, The New Straits Times Press, streaming platform Tonton, and BigTree’s digital out‑of‑home advertising. Beyond broadcasting, the partnership will explore content creation, ticketing, live streaming, and brand collaborations—ensuring the sport connects with audiences on multiple levels.
For fans unable to attend in person, matches will be streamed live on Tonton, offering nationwide access to the action. Tickets for those keen to watch courtside are already available online.
With world‑class players, a direct link to global rankings, and a major media partner on board, the Leapmotor Kuala Lumpur Cup promises to be more than just another tournament—it’s a statement of intent for pickleball’s future in Asia.
