2025 Major League Pickleball Overhaul: The 2025 Major League Pickleball (MLP) season is set to bring excitement with significant rule changes, larger team rosters, and a wave of fresh talent. With the Premier and Challenger Free Agency Drafts now complete, the league is preparing for an action-packed year.
Major Rule Changes Shake Up MLP
The league has introduced several key rule changes that will impact team dynamics and gameplay. Notably, non-contracted UPA players are no longer eligible for the 2025 draft, meaning 12 players (four men and eight women) from the 2024 season will not be returning.
Premier team rosters have expanded from four to six players, with the fifth and sixth players serving as substitutes. These substitutes have the opportunity to be picked up by other teams for a starting role during the four designated waiver periods. Another major shift is the end of rally scoring, as matches will now use side-out scoring, with games played to 11 points.
Additionally, each team is required to drop one player from their 2024 roster. These adjustments are expected to create new opportunities for emerging players while increasing competition across the league.
MLP Roster Changes Introduce Fresh Faces
With expanded roster sizes, the 2025 season will see an influx of new players. A total of 34 players (27 Premier and seven Challenger) will be making their MLP debut. Some are returning from injuries, others have excelled in PPA tournaments, and a few are transitioning into professional pickleball for the first time.
The fifth and sixth spots on Premier rosters hold particular intrigue. These players have the potential to break into starting lineups, but their limited playing time raises questions. While being on a Premier team alongside stars like Ben Johns and Anna Bright is appealing, some players might prefer consistent playing opportunities in the Challenger division.
Key New Players in Starting Lineups
Several new players are expected to make an impact in the starting lineups:
- Atlanta Bouncers: Victoria Di Muzio, a rising Canadian talent, will need time to establish herself.
- Chicago Slice: Max Freeman, a strong competitor from the PPA tour, joins the squad.
- Miami Pickleball Club: Mya Bui, a former Division 1 tennis player, brings a competitive edge.
- New York Hustlers: Helena Spiridis, Dominique Schaefer, and Zane Ford, all skilled singles players, are working to improve in doubles.
- SoCal Hard Eights: Ivan Jakovljevic, a disciplined competitor from Dallas, adds depth.
- Utah Black Diamonds: Mehvish Safdar, another D1 tennis standout, is considered a dark horse alongside Bui.
Challenger Teams to Watch
Several Challenger teams have made key acquisitions that could make them contenders this season:
- Brooklyn Aces vs. Las Vegas Night Owls: These teams are expected to have close matches, with the Night Owls holding a slight edge due to their singles talent.
- Nashville Chefs: The team made strong draft picks, including Scarpa and Brown, while adding experienced player Esquival to pair with Radzikowska.
- Bay Area Breakers: Wyatt Stone, who previously subbed in for Chicago Slice in the MLP Finals, is an underrated but dangerous player.
What to Expect in 2025
With these changes, the 2025 MLP season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive yet. The shift to side-out scoring could lead to longer, more strategic games, while the expanded rosters give teams more depth and flexibility. The impact of these adjustments will become clearer as the season unfolds, but one thing is certain: fans can expect plenty of drama and high-level play.
News in Brief: 2025 Major League Pickleball Overhaul
MLP 2025 introduces major rule changes, expanded rosters, and new talent. Non-contracted UPA players are ineligible, team sizes increase to six, and side-out scoring replaces rally scoring. The draft added 34 fresh faces, setting up an exciting season. Key additions could shift team dynamics, making 2025 highly competitive.
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