What Is Major League Pickleball (MLP)?

Major League Pickleball (MLP) is a team-based professional pickleball league where players compete as members of city or regional franchise teams rather than as independent entrants, bringing a team-sport format and franchise structure to competitive pickleball that's distinct from traditional individual tournament play.

How MLP Is Different From Tournament Play

Most professional pickleball competition, including PPA Tour events, follows an individual or doubles-pair tournament format where players or teams of two enter and compete independently. MLP instead organizes players into team rosters representing specific franchises, similar in spirit to traditional team sports leagues. Matches are contested between teams, with results across multiple individual games on the roster contributing to the overall team outcome.

Why MLP's Format Matters

Team-based competition: MLP brings team loyalty and franchise identity to pickleball, giving fans a city or regional team to follow in addition to individual players.
Roster strategy: Teams draft and manage rosters of players, adding a strategic, front-office dimension to the league that doesn't exist in individual tournament formats.
Complementary to the PPA Tour: Many top professional players compete in both MLP and the PPA Tour, giving fans multiple formats to follow the same elite talent throughout the season.

Note

League structure, team rosters, franchise locations, and season schedules are updated and can change between seasons. For the most current MLP team information, schedule, and standings, check the league's official website directly.

MLP's Role in Pickleball's Growth

MLP has played a significant role in expanding pickleball's reach as a spectator sport, bringing a familiar team-sport format and franchise model that resonates with fans accustomed to following traditional professional leagues. This team-based structure has helped attract broader media coverage, sponsorship interest, and fan engagement beyond what individual tournament play alone tends to generate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do MLP players also compete on the PPA Tour?

Yes — many top professional players compete in both MLP and the PPA Tour, since the two formats are complementary rather than competing alternatives. A player's MLP team competition and individual PPA Tour results are tracked separately.

How are MLP teams structured?

MLP teams are built around city or regional franchises with rosters of professional players, similar in structure to traditional team sports leagues. Specific roster sizes, draft processes, and team management details are set by the league and can evolve over time.

Can I watch MLP matches?

Yes — MLP matches are typically broadcast or streamed for fans, and many events are open to in-person spectators as well. Check the league's official website for current broadcast and event information.

Where can I learn more about MLP, teams and players?

Learn more about the MLP, teams, current schedules, formats and more at https://majorleaguepickleball.co/.

Questions about competitive pickleball? Email [email protected].