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
How a birthday gift sparked Allyce Jones’ pickleball rise
It all started with a private lesson from Callie Smith.
20 hours ago
-Victoria Radnothy
Chasing the pro dream: Five tips from Roscoe Bellamy
Let one of the PPA Tour’s sharpest talents take your game to the next level.
7 days ago
-Pickleball.com Staff
Texas Ranchers announce BAiO as performance intelligence partner in record-breaking deal
The agreement's mid-six-figure value makes it the highest team-level single-year deal in Major League Pickleball history.
9 days ago
-Will Daughton
O2 Sports Insurance named official insurance provider of MLP and PPA Tour
It represents a landmark move that signals the next evolution of professional pickleball.
15 days ago
-Pickleball.com Staff