
MLP Finals on CBS deliver second-most watched pro pickleball match of all-time
Major League Pickleball (MLP) delivered the second-most watched professional pickleball match of all-time on any network, with Saturday’s MLP Finals between the Columbus Sliders and New Jersey 5s broadcast on CBS drawing 433,000 average viewers, per Nielsen.
The broadcast, which featured the first in a best-of-three match series, out-delivered other nationally broadcast weekend sports competition, including LIV Golf on Saturday, LPGA on Sunday, and PBR on both Saturday and Sunday.
The event was hosted at CityPickle at Wollman Rink in New York City’s Central Park and played in front of sellout crowds all weekend, capping MLP’s 2025 season of 10 regular season events, a Mid-Season Tournament, and two rounds of Playoffs, all from April-August.
League season-to-date highlights as of the end of the regular season featured strong year-over-year growth across a multitude of business and fan engagement areas, including sponsor revenue (more than double last year’s total), ticket revenue (+28%), social media impressions (+277%), YouTube views (+156%), total minutes viewed on Pickleballtv (+105%), and telecast hours (+83% on linear TV across national, RSN, and local partnerships).
Related articles

Apollo Sports Capital leads landmark $225 million investment in Pickleball Inc.
Pickleball Inc. is the new parent company of the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball.
4 days ago
-Guest Author

Life Time's LT Pro 48 named official ball of Major League Pickleball
From everyday courts to the professional spotlight, the product continues its ascent.
6 days ago
-Pickleball.com Staff

Bringing a Frenchie on tour: How Hannah Blatt travels with her dog
Pro pickleball pets really are the best.
7 days ago
-Victoria Radnothy
Soundtrack of the court: How music fuels the tournament experience
AV lead Gage Sepulveda blends player preferences and crowd energy to craft the perfect in-match atmosphere.
11 days ago
-Victoria Radnothy