Major League Pickleball’s Bold 2025 Vision: Major League Pickleball (MLP) has introduced its rules for the 2025 season, detailing team sizes, playoff formats, match schedules, and roster deadlines. A new requirement for players to sign a UPA contract, however, has raised questions about its potential impact on team depth and player participation.
The rule change makes players ineligible unless they sign a UPA contract. This affects notable players like Will Howells, Jack Munro, Jill Braverman, and Megan Fudge, who are regulars on the APP Tour.
In total, about 17 players from the 2024 season are currently excluded from 2025 participation. At the same time, MLP is expanding its roster size by 44 players, creating additional challenges.
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Impact of UPA Contract Requirement
In 2024, APP Tour players could participate in MLP. That flexibility is gone for 2025. The shift means teams must adapt to a reduced pool of experienced players while accommodating the expanded roster requirements. Critics suggest this “double whammy” could weaken team depth and overall competition quality.
Industry insiders have raised concerns about the potential strain on talent. By adding 44 roster spots and losing 17 players, teams will need to fill vacancies with less experienced talent, which might dilute the competition.
Expanded Roster Challenges
The 2025 season will feature six-player rosters for 16 Premier teams. Combined with Challenger teams, a total of 132 players will be required, up from 88 in 2024. The new rules, while creating more opportunities, could stretch the available talent pool thin.
Looking Ahead
The new rules highlight MLP’s goal of professionalizing and expanding the league. However, questions remain about how these changes will impact team dynamics and match quality. As players sign UPA contracts and teams finalize rosters, fans will be eager to see if the 2025 season delivers on its promise of growth and excitement.
News in Brief: Major League Pickleball’s Bold 2025 Vision
MLP’s 2025 rules require players to sign UPA contracts, sidelining 17 players while expanding rosters by 44 spots. Critics worry about a diluted talent pool and reduced team depth. As teams adjust to the changes, the league’s growth will be tested in the upcoming season.
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