Eran Zahavi Launches Major Padel League to Revolutionize Israeli Sports
Former Israeli football star Eran Zahavi is spearheading a significant new initiative in the burgeoning sport of padel with the launch of the "EZ7 Padel Tour." This league aims to elevate padel in Israel by providing a platform for elite players, bridging entertainment and sports, and creating a structured environment for amateur players. The league will feature approximately 500 participants across five categories: elite players, women, celebrities, and two amateur divisions, with registration currently open.
The "EZ7 Padel Tour" is designed to connect players from across Israel, from the north to the south, utilizing the country's 50 existing padel complexes. Matches are scheduled for a central day each week during prime time, broadcast from multiple locations nationwide. The league will consist of five rounds over five weeks, with the top two pairs from each category advancing to knockout stages. To enhance spectator experience, "happening days" will be organized with refreshments and sponsors, allowing amateurs to watch and engage. The semi-finals and finals will feature a unique mobile, foldable padel court with a telescopic stand, intended to attract thousands of spectators to a central, yet-to-be-determined location.
Notable participants include elite players like Ben Zini, Daniel Ben Harush, Daniel Eliyahu, and Raz Katz, alongside celebrities such as Eliran Atar and Moshe Peretz. Organizers are confident that padel is more than a fleeting trend, citing its upcoming inclusion in the 2032 Olympics and its rapid growth in European countries like Italy, Sweden, and Spain. The league's opening weekend is set for October 16th, with over 50,000 NIS in prizes and a participation fee of 890 NIS per player, which includes a welcome kit and access to league events.
Beyond the competition, Zahavi and his partners plan to foster a strong community through webinars, mental preparation sessions, and Zahavi's personal visits to various complexes. The vision is to establish a thriving amateur community in every city, connected to a professional framework. This initiative seeks to grant elite Israeli padel players recognition and a platform akin to senior athletes, with broadcasted games and national acknowledgment, while integrating celebrity involvement to boost the sport's profile. Zahavi expressed his belief that the league will "connect parts of the country to the game, create community connection, bring amateurs into a framework that allows them to play in an organized manner, and bring honor and a stage to the elite players in the country."
