Major League Pickleball Premier Level Waiver Rule Change: Major League Pickleball (MLP) has changed its waiver rules again, announcing Friday that the Premier Level will now have only two waiver periods instead of four. Also, money from waiver bids will now go to the team losing the player, not to the league.
These updates follow the original waiver plan introduced in February 2025. The changes were made to address concerns from teams about too many chances for player movement and unfair payment rules.
Updated Waiver Schedule
The two updated Premier Level Waiver Periods are:
Premier Level Waiver Period #1:
-
Tuesday, May 6 – Teams declare 5th/6th players by Noon ET
-
Wednesday, May 7 – MLP shares available player list by Noon ET
-
Thursday, May 8 – Waiver bids submitted by Noon ET (Dutch Auction)
-
Friday, May 9 – MLP shares waiver selection order by Noon ET
-
Monday, May 12 – Waivers begin at Noon ET (one round)
Premier Level Waiver Period #2:
-
Tuesday, June 10 – Teams declare 5th/6th players by Noon ET
-
Wednesday, June 11 – MLP shares available player list by Noon ET
-
Thursday, June 12 – Waiver bids submitted by Noon ET
-
Friday, June 13 – MLP shares waiver selection order by Noon ET
-
Monday, June 16 – Waivers begin at Noon ET (one round)
Why the Changes Were Made
The original plan, announced February 26, included four waiver periods:
-
May 6 (after MLP Columbus)
-
June 3 (after MLP Phoenix)
-
July 1 (after MLP San Clemente)
-
July 15 (after Mid-Season Tournament)
These were added to give more players a chance to play and to improve competition. But after the rollout, teams raised two key concerns:
There were too many times when teams could pick a 5th or 6th player during the waiver periods. Also, if a player was taken by another team, the payment went to the league instead of the team that lost the player.
This update directly fixes those two problems. Now, fewer waiver periods mean fewer player moves, and teams will get the waiver money if one of their players is claimed.
What About the Challenger Level?
There is no change to the Challenger Level Waiver Period. It still takes place on Wednesday, June 11 as planned. The earlier concern of too much roster turnover was also addressed. Between 2024 and 2025, 60% of players changed teams. That hurt team identity. The new rule helps fix that.
What It Means Moving Forward
The waiver system change is meant to bring more balance to MLP. With only two waiver periods, teams can keep their lineups more stable. Giving money back to teams losing players also feels fairer.
This could help fans follow teams more easily and reduce confusion. It also encourages stronger team bonds across the season.
News in Brief: Major League Pickleball Premier Level Waiver Rule Change
MLP has reduced Premier Waiver Periods from four to two and changed how waiver bids are paid. Now, money goes to the team losing a player instead of the league. The move aims to improve team stability and fairness after teams raised concerns over player movement and payment in the original plan.
ALSO READ: MLP Columbus 2025: Unmissable Pickleball Showdowns and Themed Nights Await!
