Six teams – Dempo Challengers, Priority Titans, Salkar Smashers, Prassa Challengers, Synaptic Warriors and Tax Gladiators – will battle for top honours in the Badminton Pro League (BPL) 2026 – Edition 2.0, which was officially announced as an important addition to Goa’s growing professional badminton ecosystem. Held under the aegis of Goa Badminton Association and designed as a structured, franchise-based competition, the BPL will feature Goa’s top shuttlers, who were drafted through a professionally conducted auction in Panjim. This edition of the league, scheduled to be held on May 9 and 10, 2026 at Indoor Stadium, Campal, has secured a three-year title partnership with Casino Pride, reflecting growing corporate interest in the sport.
The league is founded by Navneet Nasnodkar, Executive Committee Member of the Goa Badminton Association, former Goa state player, coach of the Goa team at the 37th National Games and a respected mentor in the badminton circuit. Outlining the vision, Nasnodkar said, “BPL aims to create a professional league structure that promotes talent, encourages a strong sporting culture and brings together players, fans and corporates, while helping establish Goa as a recognised badminton hub.”
Welcoming the development, GBA President Manoj Patil stated, “The Badminton Pro League is a progressive step forward, and the involvement of Goa’s top Industrial houses such as the Dempo Group will further strengthen the ecosystem. It will encourage greater corporate participation while creating meaningful opportunities for Goa’s players to grow and excel.” Praveen Shenoy, Secretary – GBA, added, “Fans can look forward to top Goa players in action along with talented shuttlers from neighbouring states, adding to the excitement of the league.”
The six franchises will feature a strong mix of leadership and talent: Dempo Challengers (Owner: Shrinivas Dempo; Captain: Arjun Fallary), Prassa Challengers (Owner: Siddhesh Naik; Captain: Ayaan Shaikh), Priority Titans (Owners: Swapneel Nachinolkar and Dinesh Pai; Captain: Sanath Kamat), Salkar Smashers (Owner: Siddhesh Salkar; Captain: Aryaman Saraf), Synaptic Warriors (Owner: Manoj Sharma; Captain: Manish Pankhania) and Tax Gladiators (Owner: Lee Ferrao; Captain: Arjun Rehani).
