MLP Faces Leadership Crisis: Jimmy Miller recently revealed on his podcast that the MLP Las Vegas Night Owls fired Kaitlyn Kerr, their General Manager, after she requested a compensation adjustment. Kerr, a minority owner of the team, had helped lead the Night Owls to a strong position in the MLP rankings, including a #1 seed at the mid-season tournament in 2024.
Her firing has raised questions, especially since Kerr was one of the only two female GMs in the league, and her work performance has not been flagged as problematic.
Leadership Shakeup at MLP
In a surprising move, MLP also announced that CEO Bruce Popkin would be stepping down at the end of August. This news was released in a typical Friday night news dump. The UPA Executive team will temporarily handle Popkin’s responsibilities, but it remains unclear if MLP plans to hire a permanent replacement for the CEO position.
The organization will be looking for new hires to manage operations and relationships, but it seems that they may not be seeking a direct successor to Popkin.
Impact on MLP’s Future
The sudden departures of both Popkin and Kerr could have a significant impact on the MLP, especially as the league gains momentum in the professional pickleball scene. The firing of Kerr, in particular, raises concerns about the treatment of women in leadership roles within the sport.
The temporary management of the CEO position by the UPA Executive team will likely bring further attention to MLP’s leadership direction. Fans and players alike will be watching closely to see how MLP navigates these leadership challenges moving forward.
News in Brief: MLP Faces Leadership Crisis
Kaitlyn Kerr, General Manager of the MLP Las Vegas Night Owls, was fired after requesting a compensation adjustment, raising concerns about treatment of women in leadership. Additionally, MLP CEO Bruce Popkin announced his resignation, and the UPA Executive team will temporarily manage the league’s operations, leaving MLP’s future leadership uncertain.