MLP Asia Officially Launches in Vietnam, Viet Panthers Unveils 2026 Roster

Ho Chi Minh City, September 29, 2026 - At GEM Center, Ascend Sports Partners Joint Stock Company (ASP) hosted the press conference “Launch of MLP Asia in Vietnam & Introduction of Viet Panthers,” officially introducing Major League Pickleball Asia (MLP Asia) to Vietnam and unveiling Viet Panthers, the team that will compete in the inaugural season of MLP Asia.

The event marks a new milestone in the development of professional pickleball in Vietnam, as MLP Asia’s team-based competition format is introduced to the domestic market alongside a team with its own distinctive identity, bringing together Vietnamese and international athletes.

During the press conference, key updates were officially announced regarding MLP Asia, ASP’s long-term development direction, the Viet Panthers 2026 roster, the team’s brand identity and its home venue plans.

MLP ASIA ARRIVES IN VIETNAM

MLP Asia is developing a team-based competition model within the professional pickleball ecosystem, with teams representing individual markets and a focus on building strong local fan communities.

According to MLP Asia, the MLP system in the United States recorded approximately 48,000 spectators across 14 events in 2025.

The inaugural MLP Asia season is expected to begin on November 13, 2026, with six competition days taking place throughout November before progressing to the semifinals and finals in December.

Viet Panthers is scheduled to host its home competition day in Vietnam on November 21, 2026, bringing the MLP Asia experience closer to local fans.

Viet Panthers’ participation in the inaugural season also creates new opportunities for Vietnamese athletes to compete in a professional team environment alongside international players, while strengthening the connection between MLP Asia and Vietnam’s growing pickleball community.

ASCEND SPORTS PARTNERS: BUILDING SPORT FOR THE LONG TERM

Behind the development of Viet Panthers is Ascend Sports Partners (ASP), an organisation focused on investing in, developing and operating sport with a long-term perspective.

ASP aims to build an ecosystem connecting teams, competitions, athlete development, media and brand partnerships, where each element supports and creates value for the others.

ASP’s vision is to become one of Asia’s leading sports investment and development organizations.

Through projects built from Vietnam, ASP aims to develop competitive teams, distinctive sports brands and scalable sports business models capable of growing across the region.

Speaking about this direction, a representative of Ascend Sports Partners said:

“We want Vietnam to be more than a destination for international events. We want it to be a place where competitive teams, distinctive sports brands and sports business models are built to grow across the region.”

Viet Panthers represents one of the first concrete steps in this vision.

Alongside the development of the team, ASP is also working towards MLP Vietnam and youth talent development programs, connecting professional competition with the wider community and creating more opportunities for the next generation of athletes.

VIET PANTHERS UNVEILS ITS INAUGURAL ROSTER

Viet Panthers unveiled its six-player roster for the inaugural MLP Asia season, as a team with its own identity, personality and community.

The 2026 roster features four Vietnamese players: Quan Do (Team Captain), Hien Truong, Sophia Nhi Huynh and Ho Tam. They are joined by two U.S.-based athletes, Tama Shimabukuro and Kaitlyn Christian.

The roster has been assembled based on complementary playing styles, experience and chemistry, all critical elements in MLP’s team-based competition format.

Among the Vietnamese players, Quan Do and Hien Truong arrive as a proven partnership. They won Men’s Doubles gold together at both the Capital Securities Beijing Open and the MB Ho Chi Minh City Open on the PPA Tour Asia in 2026.

Sophia Nhi Huynh and Ho Tam previously won Women’s Doubles gold together at the Skechers Shenzhen Open last August.

Among the international players, 10-time PPA Tour Asia medalist Tama Shimabukuro brings youth and experience across multiple disciplines. Meanwhile, seven-time Asia medalist Kaitlyn Christian arrives in form after winning the Women’s Singles title at the Leapmotor Kuala Lumpur Cup earlier this month.

The mix of Vietnamese and international athletes, experienced players and emerging talent, and proven partnerships gives Viet Panthers a strong foundation as the team enters its inaugural season.

“THE FIRST PACK” & HOME VENUE

Alongside the roster announcement, Viet Panthers introduced its official 2026 team jersey and its first merchandise collection, “The First Pack,” created to commemorate the team’s founding season.

AP Sports Club was also officially announced as the home venue of Viet Panthers.

Under current plans, AP Sports Club 2 will feature a dedicated competition court and spectator seating for approximately 1,000 people, creating a home venue for Viet Panthers matches as well as a space where the team can connect with its fan community.

THE BEGINNING OF A LONG-TERM JOURNEY

For Viet Panthers, 2026 represents both its inaugural season and the beginning of a long-term journey.

Through this launch, alongside the broader development of MLP Asia in Vietnam, Ascend Sports Partners aims to strengthen the connection between professional sport and the community, while creating clearer development pathways and more opportunities for the next generation of athletes.