Major League Pickleball (MLP) is the team-based professional pickleball league that's redefining how the sport is played, watched, and followed. If you've heard the buzz about MLP pickleball but aren't sure what it's all about — or you're a longtime fan looking for the latest on the 2026 season — this guide covers everything you need to know.
From the unique MLPlay™ format and DreamBreaker™ tiebreakers to the full 2026 schedule, team rosters, offseason trades, and major rule changes, we've broken it all down in one place.
🏆 MLP at a glance: 23 teams, 6 players per team (coed), a unique team format unlike anything else in pickleball, and a 2026 season that runs from May through August with finals in New York City.
What Is MLP (Major League Pickleball)?
Major League Pickleball — commonly known as MLP — is a team-based professional pickleball league founded in 2021. Unlike individual pro tours where players compete solo or in pairs, MLP features coed teams of six players who compete together using a unique multi-match format.
Think of it as pickleball's answer to team-based leagues like the NFL or NBA — except every team is coed, mixing men's and women's competition in a single match.
Key Facts About MLP
- Founded: 2021
- Teams: 23 total — 18 Premier Level, 5 Challenger Level
- Presented by: DoorDash
- Governing body: United Pickleball Association (UPA)
- Format: MLPlay™ — women's doubles, men's doubles, two mixed doubles, and DreamBreaker™ tiebreaker
- Team size: 6 players per team (minimum 2 men and 2 women)
In 2024, MLP and the PPA Tour (Professional Pickleball Association) officially merged under the United Pickleball Association (UPA), creating a unified structure for professional pickleball. The PPA Tour handles individual pro competition, while MLP runs the team league — and many top pros compete in both.
How the MLPlay™ Format Works
The MLPlay™ format is what makes MLP pickleball fundamentally different from any other professional pickleball competition. Here's how a team match breaks down:
The Four Games
Each MLP team match consists of four games played back-to-back:
| Game | Format | Scoring |
|---|---|---|
| Game 1 | Women's Doubles | To 11, win by 2 (side-out) |
| Game 2 | Men's Doubles | To 11, win by 2 (side-out) |
| Game 3 | Mixed Doubles #1 | To 11, win by 2 (side-out) |
| Game 4 | Mixed Doubles #2 | To 11, win by 2 (side-out) |
All four games use traditional side-out scoring to 11 points, win by 2. A key tactical element: with two mixed doubles games, teams must decide how to pair their players across those matchups — creating real strategic depth.
New for 2026: all 6 players on a roster can play in a match, eliminating the old starter/sub distinction. This means coaches have more flexibility to mix and match lineups across the four games.
The DreamBreaker™
If the match is tied 2-2 after all four games, it goes to the DreamBreaker™ — MLP's signature tiebreaker format and one of the most exciting innovations in professional pickleball.
Here's how it works:
- Rally scoring to 21 (every rally counts, regardless of who's serving)
- Teams alternate which player is on court, switching every 4 points
- Players rotate through singles play, creating a relay-style format
- At game point, there's a freeze — the scoring team must win on their serve
- New for 2026: DreamBreaker lineups are submitted after the last doubles game, not the night before — so teams can react to how the match has unfolded
⚡ Why fans love the DreamBreaker: Imagine Ben Johns going head-to-head in singles against another top pro, with the entire match on the line, switching out every 4 points. The energy is unreal. It's the closest thing pickleball has to a penalty shootout.
2026 MLP Pickleball Schedule
The 2026 MLP season is the most ambitious yet — 13 event weekends spanning May through August, with the season finale at the iconic Wollman Rink in New York City. Here's the complete schedule:
Regular Season
| Event | Dates | City | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Season #1 | May 22–25 | Dallas, TX | Pickler Universe |
| Regular Season #2 | May 28–31 | Columbus, OH | Pickle & Chill |
| Regular Season #3 | June 4–7 | St. Louis, MO | Chaifetz Arena |
| Regular Season #4 | June 11–14 | Austin, TX | Austin Pickle Ranch |
| Regular Season #5 | June 18–21 | St. Petersburg, FL | St. Pete Athletic |
| Regular Season #6 | June 25–28 | New York, NY | Sportime Randall's Island |
| Mid-Season Tournament | July 8–12 | Grand Rapids, MI | Bellknap Park |
| Regular Season #7 | July 16–19 | Newport Beach, CA | Tennis and Pickleball Club |
| Regular Season #8 | July 23–26 | Chicago, IL | Life Time North Shore |
| Regular Season #9 | July 30–Aug 2 | Walt Disney World, FL | ESPN Wide World of Sports |
Playoffs
| Event | Dates | City | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Playoffs #1 | Aug 6–9 | Dallas, TX | Pickler Universe |
| Playoffs #2 | Aug 13–16 | San Diego, CA | Barnes Tennis Center |
| Playoffs #3 — Finals | Aug 28–30 | New York, NY | CityPickle at Wollman Rink |
The schedule features a coast-to-coast tour hitting major markets: Dallas, New York, Chicago, Austin, and Walt Disney World — plus a grand finale at CityPickle at Wollman Rink in Central Park, one of the most famous outdoor venues in the world.
Select events will also feature MiLP (Minor League Pickleball) and Jr. MLP competitions, giving amateur and youth players a chance to compete alongside the pros.
Key 2026 Rule Changes
The 2026 season introduces significant rule changes that reshape how MLP works. Here are the biggest updates:
Full Roster Usage
All 6 players on a team can now play in any match. Previous seasons had a starter/sub distinction that limited flexibility. Now, coaches can deploy any combination across the four games, opening up deeper strategic possibilities.
Event Winners Are Back
Each regular season weekend now crowns an event winner. This change brings back the excitement of weekend-level competition — every event matters, not just the overall standings.
F1-Style Points System
MLP has adopted an F1-inspired points system for season standings:
| Finish | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | 6th | 7th | 8th | 9th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Points | 25 | 18 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 1 |
This rewards consistency across the full season while still giving a substantial bonus for winning events.
Expanded Playoffs
12 of 18 Premier Level teams now make the playoffs, up from 10 of 16 in previous seasons. The playoff structure has also expanded to three weekends — Dallas, San Diego, and the Finals in New York City — giving more teams a shot at the championship.
DreamBreaker Lineup Timing
Teams now submit their DreamBreaker lineups after the last doubles game, not the night before. This means coaches can react to injuries, momentum, and matchup dynamics in real time.
No More Player "Stealing" Rule
The controversial rule that allowed teams to "steal" players from other rosters has been eliminated, bringing more roster stability and team identity to the league.
MLP Pickleball Teams
MLP has 23 teams across two tiers: the Premier Level (18 teams) and the Challenger Level (5 teams). Premier Level is where the sport's biggest stars compete, while the Challenger Level serves as a development tier with a path to promotion.
Teams to Watch in 2026
Here are the teams generating the most buzz heading into the 2026 season:
🏆 Dallas Flash — The defending 2024 MLP champions are the team to beat. Dallas has built a culture of winning and returns as the favorites in a loaded field.
🔥 LA Mad Drops — Arguably the most exciting offseason roster move in MLP history: the Mad Drops traded Hunter Johnson to Chicago to acquire Max Freeman, pairing him with Ben Johns — widely considered the best pickleball player in the world. Their full roster: Ben Johns, Catherine Parenteau, Jade Kawamoto, Max Freeman, Mehvish Safdar, and Wes Burrows. That men's doubles pairing is terrifying.
⭐ New Jersey 5s — Led by Anna Leigh Waters, the youngest superstar in pickleball history, the 5s are always in contention. They also picked up cash from the Zane Navratil trade to Chicago, potentially positioning for future moves.
⚡ St. Louis Shock — With Gabe Tardio — currently ranked #1 in PPA men's doubles — the Shock have the firepower to make a deep run. Playing a home event at Chaifetz Arena gives them an extra edge early in the season.
🔄 Chicago Slice — The biggest movers of the offseason. Chicago acquired both Zane Navratil (from New Jersey) and Hunter Johnson (from LA), completely overhauling their roster. If the chemistry clicks, they could be a dark horse contender.
🆕 Las Vegas & Palm Beach — Two new Premier Level teams for 2026. Las Vegas earned promotion from the Challenger Level, while Palm Beach enters as an expansion franchise. Both will be looking to prove they belong at the top tier.
January 2026 Trade Window Recap
MLP's first trade window of 2026 (January 28 – February 15) got off to a fast start with three trades in the first four days:
| Date | Trade Details |
|---|---|
| Jan 30 | LA Mad Drops acquire Max Freeman ← → Chicago Slice acquire Hunter Johnson + cash |
| Jan 31 | Atlanta Bouncers acquire Jay Devilliers ← → Miami Pickleball Club acquire Eric Roddy + cash |
| Jan 31 | Chicago Slice acquire Zane Navratil ← → New Jersey 5s acquire cash |
The LA–Chicago trade is the headliner. By pairing Max Freeman with Ben Johns, the Mad Drops created arguably the most dominant men's doubles team in MLP. Chicago, meanwhile, bet big on Zane Navratil and Hunter Johnson to rebuild their identity around two proven playmakers.
The trade window remains open through February 15, so more moves could be on the way.
Want to track how these players perform? Search any player's tournament history and DUPR rating on Tournament Pickle.
How to Watch MLP Pickleball & Get Tickets
MLP's 2025 season saw a 52% year-over-year increase in attendance, and 2026 is expected to be even bigger. Here's how to catch the action:
In Person
- Most events: Tickets available on Tixr (tixr.com/groups/ppa)
- St. Louis (Chaifetz Arena) & Walt Disney World (ESPN Wide World of Sports): Also available on Ticketmaster
- MiLP & Jr. MLP: Select events feature minor league and junior competitions — great for families and aspiring young players
On Screen
MLP matches are broadcast across major sports networks and streaming platforms. Check the official MLP website for the latest broadcast schedule as the season approaches.
🏓 Find Pickleball Tournaments Near You
MLP is just one part of the pickleball world. Browse thousands of amateur and professional tournaments across the U.S.
Search TournamentsMLP vs. PPA Tour: What's the Difference?
Since MLP and the PPA Tour both fall under the UPA umbrella, fans sometimes wonder how they're different. Here's the quick breakdown:
| Feature | MLP | PPA Tour |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Team-based (6-player coed teams) | Individual (singles, doubles, mixed) |
| Competition style | MLPlay™ format with DreamBreaker | Traditional tournament brackets |
| Season structure | Weekend events → Playoffs → Finals | Multi-stop tour with rankings |
| Scoring | Team placement points (F1-style) | Individual ranking points |
| Unique element | DreamBreaker tiebreaker, team trades | Pro + amateur draws at same events |
The key distinction: MLP is about teams, PPA is about individuals. Many top pros compete in both — Ben Johns, Anna Leigh Waters, and others play PPA Tour events individually while also competing for their MLP teams. The two circuits complement each other rather than compete.
If you're new to pickleball ratings, check out our complete guide to DUPR ratings — the unified rating system used across both MLP and PPA.
A Brief History of MLP
Major League Pickleball has grown remarkably fast since its founding:
- 2021: MLP is founded with the vision of bringing team-based competition to professional pickleball
- 2022: The league expands rapidly, attracting celebrity investors and growing its team count
- 2023: MLP grows to 24 teams and becomes a major fixture on the pro pickleball calendar
- 2024: MLP and PPA Tour merge under the United Pickleball Association (UPA), unifying the sport's top professional circuits. DoorDash becomes the presenting sponsor
- 2025: Season sees a 52% increase in attendance, signaling surging fan interest
- 2026: Most ambitious season yet — 23 teams, 13 events, expanded playoffs, F1-style points, and finals at Wollman Rink in NYC
The trajectory is clear: MLP is no longer a novelty — it's becoming the premier team competition in professional pickleball.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MLP in pickleball?
MLP stands for Major League Pickleball, a team-based professional pickleball league with 23 coed teams. Each team has six players who compete in the MLPlay™ format — women's doubles, men's doubles, two mixed doubles matches, and a DreamBreaker™ tiebreaker if tied. MLP operates under the United Pickleball Association alongside the PPA Tour.
How many teams are in MLP?
As of 2026, MLP has 23 teams: 18 at the Premier Level and 5 at the Challenger Level. New for 2026, Las Vegas was promoted from Challenger to Premier, and Palm Beach joined as an expansion team.
When does the 2026 MLP season start?
The 2026 MLP season kicks off on May 22, 2026, with Regular Season #1 in Dallas, TX at Pickler Universe. The season runs through August 30, concluding with the Playoffs Finals at CityPickle at Wollman Rink in New York City.
How does the MLP format work?
Each team match has four games: women's doubles, men's doubles, and two mixed doubles. Games are to 11 (win by 2) with side-out scoring. If tied 2-2, a DreamBreaker™ tiebreaker is played — rally scoring to 21 with players rotating every 4 points. The team that wins 3 of the 4 games (or the DreamBreaker) wins the match.
Where can I watch MLP pickleball?
MLP events are available on major sports networks and streaming platforms. For live attendance, tickets are available through Tixr for most events, with Ticketmaster also selling tickets for the St. Louis and Walt Disney World stops.
How is MLP different from the PPA Tour?
MLP is a team league (6-player coed teams competing in the MLPlay format), while the PPA Tour is an individual professional tour (singles, doubles, mixed brackets). Both operate under the UPA, and many top pros compete in both. MLP emphasizes team strategy and the DreamBreaker™ tiebreaker, while PPA focuses on individual rankings and traditional tournament formats.
The Bottom Line
MLP pickleball has evolved from an experimental concept into the most exciting team competition in professional pickleball. With the 2026 season bringing expanded rosters, an F1-style points system, three playoff weekends, and a grand finale in Central Park, the league is clearly thinking big.
Whether you're a hardcore fan tracking trades and DreamBreaker stats, or a casual player who just wants to understand what all the MLP hype is about, the 2026 season has something for everyone. The season kicks off May 22 in Dallas — mark your calendar.
Looking for more pickleball content? Explore the most popular pickleball tournaments in America, learn about how DUPR ratings work, or find tournaments near you on Tournament Pickle.
📋 About This Guide
Information in this guide is accurate as of February 1, 2026, based on official MLP announcements, the MLP website, and verified reporting. Schedule, rosters, and rules are subject to change — check the official MLP site for the latest updates. Player stats and tournament history are available on Tournament Pickle.