In recent years, pickleball has grown from a casual recreational sport to a professional one, with Major League Pickleball (MLP) bringing together top-ranked players to compete in team-based competitions. The MLP is made up of 24 teams divided into two levels: the Premier Level and the Challenger Level. The Premier Level includes 48 of the best players playing for teams in 12 cities, while the Challenger Level consists of up-and-coming players looking to make a name for themselves in the sport.
One such team is the Orlando Squeeze, based in Orlando, Florida. In early April 2024, they drafted a new team for the upcoming season. The team includes star players like Federico Staksrud, Vivienne David, Parris Todd, and Tyson McGuffin. The Orlando Squeeze was formed in 2023 by the Devos Family, who are also owners of the NBA franchise Orlando Magic.
The first event for MLP in 2024 takes place from May 9th to 12th in Atlanta. This event will kick off the professional pickleball season and fans can find out more about how to get tickets and check out the schedule on the MLP website. Professional pickleball has gained popularity and recognition with elite players being drafted, traded and playing for paychecks in this competitive and fast-growing sport.
In conclusion, Major League Pickleball (MLP) is not just a recreational sport but has become a professional one with top-ranked players competing against each other in team-based competitions. With its growing popularity and recognition it’s only a matter of time before more elite players join this competitive and fast-paced sport.