MLP’s Merger and PPA’s Draw Eliminations: As the 2024 pickleball season approaches, significant changes are occurring in the professional leagues. The Major League Pickleball (MLP) has released an updated schedule following its merger with the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA). Meanwhile, the PPA has eliminated the consolation draws in its pro divisions, affecting how players compete. These changes are reshaping the landscape of competitive pickleball.
MLP Updates Its Schedule
On March 14, 2024, MLP announced its updated schedule, marking the completion of the merger. The new schedule includes eight Regular Season events, one mid-season tournament, and two playoff rounds set for November.
While the exact date for the draft is still pending, the new structure aims to enhance the competition for players and fans.
PPA Removes Loser’s Bracket
In a surprising move, the PPA eliminated all consolation draws from its pro divisions on March 15, 2024. Previously, early round losers in Minnesota had the opportunity to compete in a “Points Draw,” but this option was discontinued in Austin and will not be available in future events. Tyler Loong highlighted this change in a post a month later, emphasizing its impact on competitive play.
MLP Announces Draft Details
On March 18, 2024, MLP shared details about its draft process, which will feature a Dynamic Bid format for the Premier League and a conventional snake draft for the Challenger League.
The league also announced the abandonment of plans for six-person teams in the Challenger league. These changes indicate a shift in how teams will be formed and how players will engage with the league.
APP Expands with Junior Circuit
The APP announced an expansion of its NextGen program on March 23, 2024, by launching the APP Junior Circuit for players aged 18 and under. This initiative aims to foster young talent and ensure a pipeline of skilled players for the future of pickleball. The Junior Circuit will provide a platform for youth competition at a national level.
Exclusive Signings and MLP Name Change
On March 24, 2024, the PPA introduced a new set of “exclusive” signings, clarifying existing MLP contracts. This announcement effectively made several former top APP players exclusive to the PPA.
Just a few days later, on March 27, 2024, the newly unified MLP/PPA entity was named the United Pickleball Association (UPA). The “State Championship” Series will also fall under this new branding, allowing winners to qualify for the UPA Nationals in November.
Player Withdrawals Ahead of the Draft
As the MLP draft date approaches, several players announced their withdrawal from consideration on March 31, 2024. Some of these players are affiliated with APP and cited scheduling conflicts with MLP events.
Others opted out for personal reasons, such as work or family commitments, as well as injuries. This trend of opt-outs will likely influence team dynamics and competition in the upcoming season.
News in Brief: MLP’s Merger and PPA’s Draw Eliminations
As the 2024 pickleball season approaches, Major League Pickleball (MLP) has updated its schedule following its merger with the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA).
Key changes include the elimination of consolation draws in PPA pro divisions and the introduction of a Junior Circuit by the APP. Several players have withdrawn from the MLP draft, impacting team dynamics for the upcoming season.
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