Major League Pickleball is Elevating the Game

“You have to expect things of yourself before you can do them.” – Michael Jordan

Pickleball isn’t just a backyard game anymore. Thanks to the meteoric rise of Major League Pickleball (MLP), the sport is making its mark on the national—and even global—stage. Fast-paced, team-based, and wildly entertaining, MLP is transforming how pickleball is played, promoted, and perceived.

With professional athletes, celebrities, and investors jumping on board, MLP is no longer just about paddles and plastic balls. It’s about competition, culture, and creating a new era in sports.

What is Major League Pickleball?

Founded in 2021 by entrepreneur Steve Kuhn, Major League Pickleball is the premier professional team league for the sport. Its innovative format has turned heads by offering something different from traditional pickleball tournaments.

Each team consists of four players: two women and two men. They compete in four matches: women’s doubles, men’s doubles, two mixed doubles, And, if needed, a dramatic singles tiebreaker known as the DreamBreaker, where players rotate every four points.

MLP uses rally scoring, which means a point is awarded on every rally regardless of who served—this keeps the pace high and the intensity even higher.

A-List Investors and Star Power

One of the biggest headlines surrounding MLP is its celebrity and athlete ownership. The league has attracted a stunning roster of some of the most influential team owners and investors including LeBron James, Michael B. Jordan, Tom Brady, Derek Jeter, Kevin Durant, Naomi Osaka, Drake, Chris Evert, Mark Cuban, Heidi Klum, Eva Longoria, and dozens more from the worlds of sports, business, and entertainment such as Anheuser-Busch. Their involvement has helped draw millions of eyes to the sport, elevate the visibility of MLP events, and introduce pickleball to entirely new audiences.

League Structure and Format

As of 2025, the league has 22 hometown teams with over 100 of the top-ranked U.S. professional players, divided into two competitive tiers: the Premier Level and the Challenger Level. Players are drafted through a dual snake draft, designed to keep teams balanced and competitive. 

The Premier Level Teams are the top-tier teams competing at the highest level of MLP and include Atlanta Bouncers, Brooklyn Pickleball Team (BKPT), Carolina Hogs, Chicago Slice, Columbus Sliders, Dallas Flash, Los Angeles Mad Drops, Miami Pickleball Club, New Jersey 5s, New York Hustlers, Orlando Squeeze, Phoenix Flames, St. Louis Shock, SoCal Hard Eights, Texas Ranchers, and Utah Black Diamonds.

The Challenger Level Teams, who are competing for promotion to the Premier Level, include Bay Area Breakers, California Black Bears, D.C. Pickleball Team, Florida Smash, Las Vegas Night Owls, and Nashville Chefs.

Each team brings its unique flair and competitive spirit to the league, contributing to the dynamic and rapidly growing world of professional pickleball. 

The season runs from April through November and features a combination of 10 regular season events, a mid-season tournament, a two-week 2025 MLP Playoffs, then the MLP Cup. The games take place at MLP team cities across the country.

Why MLP Matters

Major League Pickleball is doing more than organizing tournaments. It’s creating a true sports league experience. With its team format, high-profile backing, and emphasis on equality (men and women compete together and equally), MLP is building the infrastructure for a professional sport with global aspirations.

It’s also a big reason why pickleball has become the fastest-growing sport in America. MLP brings excitement, drama, and elite-level play to the masses.

Game Point

MLP has taken pickleball from the recreational rec center to the national spotlight and it's just getting started. With pro-level players, packed events, and major sponsorships, the league has redefined what’s possible in the world of pickleball.

Whether you're a player, a fan, or someone who's curious about the sport, keep your eye on Major League Pickleball. This is pickleball like you’ve never seen it before.

See you on the courts!