New York Hustlers Shake Up Roster: The New York Hustlers have made two major trades early in the 2025 Major League Pickleball (MLP) season, sending Jackie Kawamoto to the DC Pickleball Team and CJ Klinger to the Columbus Sliders. In return, New York acquired Riley Newman, Vivian Glozman, and cash considerations, positioning themselves for a competitive season ahead.
Strategic Roster Changes
In the first trade, the Hustlers sent Jackie Kawamoto to DC in exchange for Vivian Glozman and cash. Kawamoto’s defensive skills will strengthen DC’s doubles lineup, while Glozman’s versatility adds depth to New York’s squad.
In the second deal, New York traded CJ Klinger to the Columbus Sliders and acquired Riley Newman, a 2024 first-round pick, along with cash. Newman’s experience and leadership could make him a key asset for the Hustlers.
Balancing Talent and Finances
The financial aspect of these trades plays a big role for New York Hustlers. With two first-round draft picks—Jack Sock and Riley Newman—on their roster, the Hustlers must pay a retention fee of $275,000 for each player to keep them in 2025.
Additionally, they must pay $77,000 to retain Lea Jansen. Glozman, originally drafted by the Bay Area Breakers at the Challenger level, does not require a retention fee, making her a valuable asset.
A Hustlers team official acknowledged the financial challenge but emphasized the team’s commitment to strengthening its lineup.
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Potential Lineup and Future Moves
If Sock and Newman pair up, they could be one of the most exciting teams to watch. Both players are highly athletic, but it remains to be seen which side Newman will play, as Sock typically plays on the left.
The Glozman-Jansen pairing also has potential but remains uncertain since they only played one tournament together in 2024, reaching the Round of 16 in Sacramento.
New York will need to drop at least one player before the season begins. While Glozman is unlikely to be released, any of the other rostered players could be traded or dropped in the coming weeks.
What’s Next for the Hustlers?
With these moves, the Hustlers are positioning themselves as serious contenders in 2025. They have built a strong, well-balanced team but still face important decisions before the final roster deadline.
As the trade window continues, more roster changes could follow, with teams across the league looking to solidify their lineups for the upcoming season.
News in Brief: New York Hustlers Shake Up Roster
The New York Hustlers made two key trades, acquiring Riley Newman and Vivian Glozman while sending Jackie Kawamoto to DC and CJ Klinger to Columbus.
The team also gained cash, which helps offset the cost of keeping their top players. With further roster moves likely, the Hustlers are shaping up as a strong contender in 2025.