MLP Announces New Player Acquisition Rules: Major League Pickleball (MLP) by Margaritaville has announced significant updates to its competition structure for the 2025 season, set to begin in Orlando, FL, at the USTA National Campus from April 24-27. The changes include an expanded roster, new player acquisition rules, and important operational dates that will shape the upcoming pickleball tournament.
Expanded Rosters and Player Eligibility
The biggest change for the 2025 season is the expansion of Premier Level teams’ rosters from four to six players. Each team will now consist of three men and three women, offering new opportunities for roster building and match day strategy.
The league also announced that only players under UPA contract will be eligible to participate in MLP events, making player acquisition a crucial part of team preparation.
The updates will allow teams to develop unique pickleball strategies, optimizing their lineup for each match. The new rules aim to increase the competitive nature of the league, as well as improve the experience for both players and fans.
Key Dates and Player Acquisition Events
The 2025 MLP season will follow a new schedule of operational events for player acquisitions, trades, and roster changes. Important dates include:
| Date | Event Description |
|---|---|
| Wed, Jan 22 | Trade Window #1 opens |
| Sat, Feb 15 | Trade Window #1 closes |
| Sun, Feb 16 | Teams declare their 2025 keepers |
| Sun, Mar 2 | Premier Level Free Agency opens |
| Mon, Mar 3 | Challenger Level Free Agency opens; Trade Window #2 opens |
| Mon, Jul 14 | Trade Deadline |
The trade windows, free agency periods, and waiver wire events provide teams with opportunities to strengthen their rosters and refine their pickleball technique in time for the competition. This process will help create balanced, competitive teams that are well-prepared for the tournament.
Playoffs and Scoring System
For the 2025 season, ten Premier Level teams and all six Challenger Level teams will qualify for their respective Playoffs. These teams will compete for points throughout the season, with top finishers earning the chance to move on to the playoffs.
Regular season points will also be earned during the Mid-Season Tournament, where the top three finishers from each level will be awarded points.
The league will continue to use side-out scoring for doubles matches and maintain the DreamBreaker format for the fifth game, which uses rally scoring to 21 points with a switch every four points. These scoring formats are designed to keep the competition intense and exciting.
Waiver Wire and Injured Reserve Rules
The 2025 season will only feature one waiver wire period, following the MLP Salt Lake City event. Only players under UPA contract will be eligible to be claimed. Additionally, players placed on Injured Reserve (IR) will be ineligible to play for the rest of the season, making it essential for teams to maintain healthy rosters throughout the year.
Player loans, which were previously an option for acquiring talent, will no longer be allowed due to the expanded rosters. Teams will need to build their squads through trades, free agency, and the waiver wire.
News in Brief: MLP Announces New Player Acquisition Rules
Major League Pickleball (MLP) announces key updates for the 2025 season, including expanded rosters, new player eligibility rules, and updated competition schedules.
The season kicks off in Orlando at the USTA National Campus, with changes designed to enhance team strategy and competition. The league’s first event is April 24-27, 2025.
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