Anticipation is mounting ahead of the fifth edition of the Saint Lucia Premier League (SPL) T20 tournament. While fans can expect the familiar electrifying format, SPL founder and CEO Hassan Euristee says this year’s edition promises to be a game-changer—thanks to increased backing from the Government of Saint Lucia.

The National Lotteries Authority has come on board as the league’s main sponsor for 2025, with much of its support directed toward improved player compensation. This move brings the tournament closer to achieving full professional status.

“SPL, since its inception in 2017, was the first-ever semi-professional sports tournament of any kind in the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States,” said Euristee. “Now, heading into SPL 5, players will be earning significantly more—enough to invest in their own cricket gear and continue developing their game.”

Euristee added with a smile, “One of the franchise owners joked, ‘The players will be making more money than me!’ That’s the kind of progress we love to hear. With the support of the National Lotteries Authority and the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports, we’re raising the bar for cricket in Saint Lucia.”

Organisers confirmed that players could earn up to eight times more than in previous seasons—a major milestone for the league and for local athletes.

Six teams will compete for the SPL 5 title, with reigning champions Avatar Micoud Eagles aiming to defend their crown. The Babonneau Leatherbacks join the lineup this year, replacing Laborie. They’ll battle alongside the Central Castries City Blasters, South Castries Lions, Gros Islet Knights, Soufriere Stumpers, Choiseul Craftmasters, and Mon Repos Pioneers—all hungry for the trophy.

In another first, the 2025 tournament will expand to four venues across the island. Following the opener at Mindoo Phillip Park (MPP), matches will also be held at the Gros Islet Playing Field, Philip Marcellin Grounds in Vieux Fort, and La Fargue Playing Field in Choiseul. The tournament will span five weeks, with a total of 32 matches scheduled.

The move to enhance player remuneration comes on the heels of the launch of the Saint Lucia Semi-Professional Football League, which kicked off last year—also at MPP.

Minister for Youth Development and Sports, Kenson Casimir, praised the SPL’s role in elevating the standard of local cricket. He noted that serious discussions about enhancing the league began after Saint Lucia hosted the ICC World Cup last year.

According to Minister Casimir, the SPL is designed to complement the Saint Lucia Cricket High Performance Centre, providing a vital platform for nurturing and showcasing the island’s top cricketing talent.