The U.S. Legends Pickleball League (USLPL) will draft 120 players for its inaugural season starting this September. The league, designed for players aged 50 and older, held its only player combine in Richmond, Virginia, attracting over 200 athletes competing for spots on 12 teams.
Building a Competitive Senior League
Co-founder Michael Cao described the participants as highly skilled, saying,
“These are the best of the best from the country. Even though they are in their 50-something, they don’t want to slow down. They still want to compete.”
Each team will draft 10 players from the combine, including at least four elite players aged 60 and above, with both men and women represented.
The 12 teams are:
Boston Dragons
Buffalo Blizzards
The DelRays (Delray Beach and Boynton Beach, FL)
DMV Picklers (DC/MD/VA)
Florida Royals
Florida Storm
Jersey Shore Shots
Northern Virginia SuperNovas
NYC Ballers
Richmond Rocketeers
Roanoke Shine
The Villages Heat (The Villages, FL)
Co-founder Ron Cortese noted that women have a strong presence in ownership, stating that eight of the 12 teams are fully or co-owned by women. “The USLPL was created to offer greater access and value to all 50+ and 60+ players who want to be part of an elite senior pro organization,” he said.
Schedule and Venues
Starting in September, teams will compete monthly in four matches, called “showdowns,” held at top-tier indoor venues in Indiana, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. The schedule includes:
Sept. 19-21: The Picklr, Noblesville, IN
Oct. 17-19: Dill Dinkers, Hatboro, PA
Dec. 5-7: Bounce Pickleball, Baltimore, MD
Jan. 9-11: Pickle House, Robbinsville, NJ
Registration to compete remains open until August 15.
How It Compares to the National Pickleball League
The National Pickleball League (NPL), launched in 2022, also targets players over 50. It has 12 teams and 180 players but is not connected to the USLPL. The NPL states on its website,
“NPL gives fans a community to connect to, players a chance to pursue their passion, and reminds everyone that age should never be a barrier.”
The NPL teams are: Austin Ignite, Boca Surge, Denver Iconics, Indy Drivers, Naples JBB United, OKC Punishers, Coachella Valley Scorpions, Columbus Hotshots, Houston Hammers, Kansas City Stingers, Princeton Bruisers, and Seattle Tsunami.
For 2025, NPL registration is closed, but matches continue in Indianapolis, Princeton (Sept. 19-21), and Seattle (Oct. 16-19 for Championship Weekend). In June, NPL announced a partnership with Selkirk Sport, making Selkirk TV its Official Media Partner.
Significance for the Sport
The launch of the USLPL adds another opportunity for senior players to compete at a high level, while also expanding community engagement. With strong female ownership and a focus on inclusivity, the league aims to grow competitive pickleball for athletes aged 50 and over.
News in Brief: U.S. Legends Pickleball League Draft
The U.S. Legends Pickleball League will draft 120 players for its debut season this September. The league targets players aged 50 and older and will feature 12 teams competing monthly in indoor venues. Registration is open until August 15, offering a new competitive platform for senior athletes nationwide.
ALSO READ: Meet the Over-50 Athletes Powering the U.S. Legends Pickleball League’s Debut Season