Major League Pickleball

Major League Pickleball (MLP) is a professional pickleball league in the United States, distinguished for its team-based format and high-energy competitions. Launched in 2021, MLP has redefined pickleball by introducing a franchise model with city-based teams, a draft system, and a focus on fan engagement. With celebrity-backed ownership and a growing international presence, MLP has become a driving force in professionalizing the sport, bringing a festival-like atmosphere to courts worldwide.

History

Major League Pickleball was founded in 2021 by Steve Kuhn, a Texas-based entrepreneur, with the goal of creating a team-oriented professional pickleball league. The inaugural season featured eight teams and a $100,000 prize pool, drawing top players like Tyson McGuffin and Lucy Kovalova. The league’s unique format, inspired by team sports like the NBA, quickly gained traction, with events selling out and attracting media attention.

In 2022, MLP expanded to 12 teams and secured high-profile investors, including LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Tom Brady. By 2023, the league grew to 24 teams, split into Premier and Challenger divisions, and introduced international expansion with MLP Australia. The 2024 season saw 11 events across the U.S., with plans for further global tournaments, cementing MLP’s role as a pickleball powerhouse.

Format and Gameplay

MLP’s team-based format sets it apart from traditional pickleball tournaments. Each team consists of four players—two men and two women—who compete in a series of matches: men’s doubles, women’s doubles, mixed doubles, and a potential “DreamBreaker” tiebreaker. Matches are played to 21 points, win by 2, using rally scoring, where points can be scored by either team regardless of serve.

Key elements of MLP’s format include:

  • Snake Draft: Teams select players annually through a draft, ensuring competitive balance.
  • DreamBreaker: A fast-paced tiebreaker where teams rotate players every four points, adding drama to close matches.
  • Premier and Challenger Levels: The top 12 teams compete in the Premier Level, while the bottom 12 face off in the Challenger Level, with promotion and relegation between seasons.

Events typically span three days, with round-robin play leading to playoffs. The format emphasizes strategy, as coaches can adjust lineups and substitutions to counter opponents, making MLP a dynamic spectacle for fans.

Teams and Ownership

MLP features 24 franchise teams, each representing a U.S. city or region, such as the Brooklyn Aces, Orlando Squeeze, and Las Vegas Night Owls. Teams are owned by a mix of sports luminaries, business moguls, and celebrities, boosting the league’s visibility. Notable owners include:

  • LeBron James and Maverick Carter (Los Angeles Mad Drops)
  • Tom Brady and Kim Clijsters (Chicago Slice)
  • Eva Longoria and Kate Upton (Austin Pickleballers)

Each team operates as a franchise, with owners investing in player contracts, branding, and fan experiences. The MLP website provides detailed rosters and schedules, fostering a sense of local pride among fans.

Tournaments and Events

MLP hosts 10–12 events per season, typically held in major U.S. cities like Dallas, Miami, and Washington, D.C. Each event draws thousands of spectators and is livestreamed on platforms like YouTube and Tennis Channel. The season culminates in the MLP Finals, where the Premier and Challenger champions are crowned.

Notable events include:

  • Mesa Season Opener: Held in Arizona, it sets the tone for the season with intense early matchups.
  • Atlanta Finals: The championship event, offering the largest prize pool and national broadcast coverage.
  • International Showcases: Events like the 2024 MLP Australia tournament in Sydney mark the league’s global push.

In 2024, MLP events offered over $2 million in prize money, with top teams like the New Jersey 5s and DC Pickleball Team dominating leaderboards. The league’s festive atmosphere, complete with music, food trucks, and fan zones, has earned it the nickname “pickleball’s party circuit.”

Sponsorships and Media

MLP has secured major sponsorships that enhance its production quality and fan engagement. Key partners include Nobilo Wines, Zenni Optical, and Selkirk, which supply paddles and apparel. These partnerships fund player salaries, event logistics, and high-quality broadcasts.

Media coverage is a cornerstone of MLP’s success, with events aired on CBS Sports, ESPN, and Tennis Channel. The league’s YouTube channel, with over 50,000 subscribers in 2024, offers live streams, highlights, and behind-the-scenes content. Social media campaigns, tagged #MLPPickleball, amplify the league’s reach, with players like Anna Leigh Waters and Jack Sock driving fan interaction.

Impact and Growth

Major League Pickleball has revolutionized pickleball by introducing a team-based model that appeals to both players and fans. Its franchise system and celebrity ownership have brought mainstream attention to the sport, with coverage in outlets like Forbes and Sports Illustrated. The league’s 2024 season saw a 40% increase in attendance and a 20% rise in viewership from 2023, reflecting its growing popularity.

MLP’s international expansion, including MLP Australia and planned events in India, positions it as a leader in pickleball’s global growth. The league’s commitment to gender equity—equal pay and playtime for men and women—has set a standard for inclusivity. However, its reliance on exclusive player contracts has drawn criticism, as some athletes prefer the open competition of the Association of Pickleball Players (APP). Despite this, MLP’s innovative format and cultural appeal ensure its place at the forefront of professional pickleball.

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