Top 3 overall storylines (plus a BONUS)

• How will Jorja Johnson fare as a member of the Fives, playing in front of her previously adoring Flash Mob, and against her brother?

• How will the new look defending champion Columbus Sliders perform? The Aussie Danni-Elle Townsend is the key offseason acquisition (plus Parris Todd is suspended from this event)

• Will the singles specialists make a huge impact since all 6 players on the roster can now be used in each match? 

• BONUS: What will be the fan, team, and player reaction to the new MLP group play format - and who will it favor on the 20 by 44?

Storylines per team competing in Dallas

Group A

Columbus Sliders: The Sliders go from the chip on their shoulder “Chosen Ones” to the hunted as the defending Champions - what will the 2026 rallying cry be? And how will Danni-Elle Townsend and Alix Truong play under that pressure with Parris Todd out in Dallas?

Dallas Flash: The Jorja storyline will be omnipresent but the trade to add Brooke Buckner (for Callie Smith to Las Vegas) could pay huge dividends (especially in a Dream Breaker). Who will provide the needed energy from the mostly stoic returning starters (JW Johnson, Augie Ge, and Tyra Black)?

New Jersey Fives: A significant investment was made to acquire Jorja Johnson and the expectation is that she and Anna Leigh Waters will dominate on the women’s side. The question for the Fives is the fellas - will they meet the moment and who is playing the left, Noe Khilf or Will Howells?

Orlando Squeeze: Will the Jack Sock acquisition deliver big wins beyond just making the playoffs? Sock plus Staksrud equals must see pickleball in men’s doubles. Can Lacy Schneemann and Millie Rane consistently find the height of their powers to push and potentially beat the top teams (we will find out quickly with the Sliders, Flash, and Fives in their Group)?

Phoenix Flames: Completely revamped squad in 2026, with 4 players under the age of 21 (Jonathan Truong, Cam Chaffin, Wyatt Stone, and Alexa Schull). Will they gel, who will be the pairings, and can the veteran presence of Judit Castillo help the rookies remain confident despite a brutal pool in their first event?

Group B

Bay Area Breakers: This team is a blend of youth and experience. Will Len Yang or Luc Pham play the left with the veteran Pablo Tellez? How will Genie Erokhina and Mya Bui fare? And will the teenager, Ella Yeh, from the Dallas area get a chance to play in her backyard?

Carolina Hogs: Another completely revamped roster, including 3 moves made post the draft. Two Dallas-area ladies (Samantha Parker and Abbi Hatton) will get to play at the courts where they practice. Dallas-area lawyer Brandon French will also have a huge contingent cheering him on. Will the home cooking lead to any wins?

LA Mad Drops: The team with the goat (Ben Johns) will go as far as his male partner goes (lefty Max Freeman joins the Mad Drops). Their women’s team is one of the best in all of MLP (Catherine Parenteau and Jade Kawamoto). Making the playoffs is not the question - can they win it all? A huge performance in Dallas will be an early indicator. 

St. Louis Shock: Running it back with Million Dollar AB (Anna Bright) makes them the favorites as their men continue to ascend to the top of the pro game (Hayden Patriquin and Gabe Tardio). Add in Kate Fahey and anything short of a Championship will be a disappointment. Can they exorcise their playoff demons of the last 2 years? An undefeated weekend in Dallas would start that process. 

Texas Ranchers: Will the trade of Christian Alshon to Brooklyn for Dylan Frazier deliver the desired on court results for the Ranchers? Will the addition of 2025 Champion Lea Jansen provide the veteran experience needed with Layne Sleeth returning from injury? 

Utah Black Diamonds: One huge weekend in Atlanta for Tama Shimabukuro and the Black Diamonds became one of the must watch teams overnight - not to mention the resurgent Connor Garnett plus fan favorite Allyce Jones. Question: which fella is playing the right? And can they find team chemistry quickly to grab 3 or more wins in Dallas?

Marquee Matchups

Group A: Dallas Flash vs. New Jersey Fives (6PM Central 5/23): Watching the Flash Mob reconcile the sight of Jorja Johnson in Clown Town gear will be must see TV. And potentially seeing Jorja vs. her brother JW in mixed adds another intriguing factor within the match to watch. And let’s not forget a highly motivated Anna Leigh Waters arrives in Dallas seeking a run to a full season team title. And finally, where does coach and mom Julie Johnson sit? In the middle?

Group B: LA Mad Drops vs. St. Louis Shock (6PM Central 5/24): Star power galore: Ben Johns and Catherine Parenteau for LA vs. Bright, Patriquin, Tardio, and Fahey for the Shock. A true early season measuring stick match for both teams. Are the Shock as dominant as expected or will Max Freeman be the difference for LA?