Anna Bright broke the record on Friday for the most expensive player ever drafted in MLP after the No. 1 spot was officially secured by the St. Louis Shock for $1.23 million.

She reacted to the news live on her YouTube channel.

“It’s like watching my fate,” said Bright.

There was actually a bidding war between the Shock, the New Jersey 5s, and the Columbus Sliders for the top pick, but St. Louis emerged victorious and immediately re-acquired Bright's services.

She was hoping to return to the Shock (after being dropped by the squad in mid-February), so everything worked out for the best.

As the bidding war escalated, Bright continued to share her thoughts.

“I’m going for way too much money. I have more pressure to play so well. What if I have a bad day? I’m going to feel so guilty,” she said. “I’m going to have so much pressure to play like God.”

The whole experience was nerve-racking. 

Bright likened the situation to her bungee jumping adventure since her whole body was incredibly tense and she clutched her emotional support teddy bear. 

“I’ve had so much adrenaline for so long that I feel depleted. That’s how I feel watching this,” she mentioned. “My adrenaline has been so high for 18 straight minutes.” 

With 30 seconds for bids, it was a nail-biter with the Shock, 5s, and Sliders constantly upping the ante with only moments to spare.

The 5s were obviously gunning for Bright, and as the number continued to increase, the Sliders ultimately left the Shock and 5s to battle it out. 

When the Shock bid $875k and the 5s responded at $990k, it was clear that Bright was easily going for a record $1 million at least and possibly more.

Keep in mind that the record-breaking $1.23 million goes to MLP, not Bright herself. 

“I’m on the Shock baby!” she celebrated. “Hopefully, I can play well enough that I’m worth that price tag.”

I think if you’re spending money on any player right now, it should be Bright. 

She loves Major League Pickleball, she loves the team format and camaraderie, and her Shock teammates Kate Fahey, Gabe Tardio, and Hayden Patriquin have incredible chemistry and friendship on and off the court. She’s been the team captain and helped shape every one of her current and former teammates’ games. 

For Bright, returning to the Shock is a relief. And while she would’ve done well on the 5s next to Anna Leigh Waters, I love to see the switch. We already see Waters and Bright dominate on the PPA Tour. It’s much more fun to watch Waters and Bright team up with different partners.  

And considering that Jorja Johnson went to the 5s to compete alongside Waters, the upcoming MLP season is going to be a good one. 

“I’m a cheap date, but I’m expensive to have on your MLP team,” concluded Bright. 

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