The New Jersey 5s and St. Louis Shock competing at the 2026 MLP Finals in New York City.
The New Jersey 5s and St. Louis Shock competing at the 2026 MLP Finals in New York City.  Major League Pickleball

Houston Hammers to join Major League Pickleball in 2027 as 21st franchise

 

The Hammers franchise first made its mark in the MLP Champions Series, which features the world’s best players over 40 years old.

Now, the Hammers will exist at all levels of Major League Pickleball, with the franchise even set to host a 2027 league event in the Houston market.

Hugh Zhang, a dynamic leader with expertise across various industries, will lead the franchise’s new ownership group.

“MLP completes the Houston Hammers ecosystem, with our regular-season champion senior team, Jr. MLP, and minor leagues all under one brand,” said Zhang. “Our vision is to build a first-class sports brand that delivers an exceptional fan experience, develops local talent, and creates a lasting legacy in Houston sports.”

Additional information on the Hammers, including the team’s player acquisition process, will be available from the league in the coming weeks.

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