2025 MLP Challenger Level Champion promoted to Premier Level next season
Major League Pickleball presented by DoorDash (MLP) announced on Tuesday that the 2025 Challenger Level Champion will be promoted to the Premier Level starting in 2026.
The change was approved by the MLP Competition Committee and the UPA Board.
It had previously been shared that all MLP teams would be playing at one level starting in either 2026 or 2027, but to give more time to ensure healthy competition, flatten out the talent curve, and put forth the best product, the Challenger Level will remain in 2026, and MLP will be moving to a one-level structure for the 2027 season.
The MLP Finals will be contested at CityPickle at Wollman Rink in New York, NY from Friday, Aug. 22 through Sunday, Aug. 24.
Any and all updated information for 2026 and beyond will be shared as soon as possible, once those details are finalized.
Click here to see current Challenger Level standings.
Related articles
.jpg?width=592&height=237&optimizer=image)
Breaking down the moves from Trade Window #2 of the 2026 MLP season
Stay up to date with the latest moves from Trade Window #2.
2 days ago
-Will Daughton
Pro tips to level up your pickleball game
Roscoe Bellamy, Jorja Johnson, and other top stars share valuable advice.
4 days ago
-Victoria Radnothy
Is Cleo Bond the new "it girl" of pro pickleball?
After going viral, she's helping to elevate the game to a whole new level.
11 days ago
-Victoria Radnothy
Everything you missed in pickleball pop culture in February 2026
February might be the shortest month of the year, but it certainly delivered big moments.
13 days ago
-Victoria Radnothy