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
Rachel Rohrabacher’s wedding takes unexpected turn after Nor’easter forces last-minute change
Her wedding day turned into a rom-com-worthy celebration with two unforgettable ceremonies.
15 days ago
-Victoria Radnothy
Groups, team rosters, and team captains announced for MLP Nations Cup
Texas Ranchers teammates Eric Oncins and Nico Acevedo will represent Team Latin America at the inaugural MLP Nations Cup in late October.
19 days ago
-Pickleball.com Staff
Everything you missed in pickleball pop culture in August 2026
There was plenty more happening on the court beyond the MLP Finals—here’s what you may have missed.
39 days ago
-Victoria Radnothy
MLP Finals on CBS set all-time league viewership record
The second-most watched pro pickleball event in history generated 773,000 average viewers on Sunday.
41 days ago
-Pickleball.com Staff