UPA Faces Financial Crisis: Major League Pickleball (MLP) and the PPA Tour are facing financial trouble after their $75 million merger last March. The newly formed entity, the UPA, needs a $10 million emergency loan to continue operations. The loan must be paid by January 15 to meet financial obligations.
Background on the Merger
In March 2024, MLP merged with the PPA Tour, creating the unified pickleball organization known as the UPA. The merger aimed to expand the sport by combining the pro tours and attracting investors like LeBron James, Tom Brady, and Anheuser-Busch. Saudi Arabia also supported the deal to help grow the sport globally.
However, nine months later, the UPA finds itself in financial trouble. According to reports, the organization requires a $10 million bridge loan to meet its obligations. This news was shared on social media by PPA Tour pro, Jillian Braverman, who explained the situation to her followers on January 2.
Ten months after the blockbuster “$75 Million” merger between Major League Pickleball (Lebron James, Tom Brady, Anheuser-Busch) and Tom Dundon’s (Carvana, Top Golf) backed PPA Tour, the new entity (the UPA) needs an emergency bridge loan of $10mm by January 15 to meet its…..
— Jillian Braverman (@jillybpb) January 2, 2025
Social Media Reactions
The news of the financial troubles has sparked a wave of reactions online. Some tennis fans have been critical, with one sarcastically asking if people still wanted to watch pickleball. Others have expressed doubts about the future of the sport. One fan went as far as to call the merger a “half Ponzi scheme and aspirational PR.”
“I feel like this whole thing is half Ponzi scheme and aspirational PR. I just hope everyone working there has their paychecks clearing,” one fan wrote. Many others shared similar sarcastic comments, questioning the viability of pickleball as a professional sport.
wow are you telling me that no one actually wants to watch pickleball lmao https://t.co/FmfEJYiQXY
— Dylan (@notnotdylm) January 3, 2025
Expert Opinions
The struggles faced by MLP and the PPA Tour raise concerns about the future of professional pickleball. Despite strong backing from high-profile investors, the financial hurdles suggest that the sport may still have a long way to go before it can become a stable, mainstream industry.
I feel like this whole thing is half Ponzi scheme and aspirational PR. I just hope everyone working there has their paycheques clearing.. https://t.co/Ev8HE7alyW
— Stephanie Myles (@OpenCourt) January 3, 2025
What’s Next for Pickleball?
The future of Major League Pickleball and the PPA Tour now depends on securing the $10 million loan by January 15. If the loan is not provided, the organization could face major setbacks.
The pickleball community will be watching closely to see how this financial challenge is resolved and whether the sport can continue its rise in popularity.
News in Brief: UPA Faces Financial Crisis
After the $75 million merger between Major League Pickleball (MLP) and the PPA Tour in March 2024, the newly formed UPA is facing financial trouble. It needs a $10 million emergency loan by January 15 to stay afloat. The situation has sparked online criticism and concerns about pickleball’s future.
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