Philippines Aims to Repeat Historic Season 1 Triumph as PCL Philippines Takes Over SM Mall of Asia on the Road to the Asia Finals in China
Taguig, Philippines – October 2, 2025 – The Pickleball Champions League (PCL) Asia is launching its biggest season yet with a record $256,000 prize pool, including a $30,000 prize for the Grand Champion. Season 2 promises tougher competition, higher stakes, and greater visibility for one of the world’s fastest-growing sports.
Season 1 Grand Champions from the Philippines, Team Dink & Drink
In its inaugural season, the Philippines emerged as the Grand Champion, cementing the country’s status as a rising powerhouse in Asian pickleball. The victory not only showcased the skill and competitiveness of Filipino athletes but also underscored the Philippines’ role in fueling the sport’s rapid growth across the region.
According to Steve Kuhn, Chairman of PCL, Season 1 proved that Asian pickleball is ready for the world stage, with the Philippines leading the charge. “Season 2 will raise the bar with even more teams, higher stakes, and new rivalries. We’ve seen how passionate the players and fans are in the Philippines, and this season, we expect the competition to be tougher, the games more intense, and the spotlight on pickleball to shine even brighter across Asia,” he said.
The national leg, the Pickleball Champions League Philippines Season 2 (PCL Philippines), will take place on November 15–16, 2025 at SM Mall of Asia. Only eight elite teams will compete in Manila, with the champion earning a $5,000 travel grant to represent the Philippines at the PCL Asia Finals in China. There, the Filipino champions will attempt to defend the nation’s crown and vie for a share of the $96,000 finals prize pool.
Toby Claudio and Steve Kuhn speak to the press during the media launch of PCL Philippines
The PCL Philippines is made possible through the support of co-presenters SM Supermalls and adidas Philippines, and powered by Toby’s Sports as the official partner of PCL in the Philippines tasked with promoting and organizing PCL Philippines.
Toby Claudio, President of Toby’s Sports, emphasized that partnering with PCL to stage the Philippine Sectionals aligns with the company’s long-standing mission of fueling Filipino sports communities. “Toby’s Sports is proud to power the PCL Philippines and to stand behind our athletes as they defend the nation’s title on the Asian stage. For over four decades, we’ve worked to inspire Filipinos to play and perform at their best, and pickleball represents the next frontier. This league is more than just a competition — it’s a movement that brings communities together, builds champions, and shows that the Philippines can lead in one of the world’s fastest-growing sports,” he said.
About PCL Asia
The Pickleball Champions League Asia (PCL Asia) is the region’s premier pickleball competition, bringing together national champions and elite clubs to compete on a continental stage. With national qualifiers in key Asian markets leading to a grand finals event, PCL Asia is raising the level of competition while accelerating the growth of pickleball as one of the fastest-rising sports in the world. For more information on PCL Asia, visit https://pclasia.org.
About PCL Philippines
The PCL Philippines is the official national leg of PCL Asia. It serves as the pathway for Filipino pickleball athletes and clubs to qualify for the continental finals. PCLA-PH is powered by Toby’s Sports and supported by SM Supermalls, adidas Philippines, Polland Hopia, Vatic Pro and Velaris Residences, making it the largest and most prestigious pickleball competition in the country. PCL Philippines Season 2 will take place in SM Mall of Asia Music Hall on November 15-16, 2025. For more information on PCL Philippines, visit https://www.tobys.com/pages/pcl-philippines.
About Toby’s Sports
For over four decades, Toby’s Sports has been the leading sports retailer in the Philippines, inspiring millions of Filipinos to live active lifestyles. With a wide selection of global and in-house brands, Toby’s Sports has championed athletes at every level while building communities around sports. Through its events arm, Toby’s Events, the company has also organized some of the biggest sports activities in the country across badminton, basketball, volleyball, running, and most recently pickleball — strengthening its role as both a retail leader and a community builder. As the official partner powering PCL Philippines, Toby’s continues its mission of helping Filipinos play, perform, and achieve more. Toby’s Sports currently operates 68 stores nationwide, as well as an online store (www.tobys.com)
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