2025 MLP Pickleball Season Preview: The 2025 Major League Pickleball (MLP) season begins Thursday in Orlando, featuring all 16 Premier teams and led by 2024 champions Dallas Flash. The season will run through the summer, ending with the playoffs in November. Key storylines include team tiers, injuries, player pressure, and breakout performances.
Teams Set in Power Rankings
MLP 2025 shows clear team tiers. SoCal, New York, and Miami are seen as bottom-tier teams with little hope. Phoenix, Carolina, and Utah are mid-tier and unlikely playoff threats. Orlando, Atlanta, and Chicago have outside playoff shots. LA, Texas, Columbus, and Brooklyn are playoff favorites but not top contenders.
Dallas, New Jersey, and St. Louis form the top tier. These three are expected to dominate the season. However, surprises could still happen as the season progresses. Fans will watch to see if teams outperform or underperform their expectations.
Injuries Could Change Everything
While all teams start healthy, injuries can quickly change the season. Texas, a top team in 2024, struggled after Christian Alshon got hurt. In a league where teams have only four starters, even one injury can make or break a season.
Pressure on Top Teams and Players
Both Dallas and St. Louis return with the same lineups, giving them a chemistry advantage. New Jersey, however, added Meghan Dizon, replacing Mari Humberg. Dizon faces big pressure playing with Anna Leigh Waters, the #1 player.
If anyone thinks playing with the number one player is easy, they should ask Gabe Tardio about his experience teaming up with Ben Johns in PPA events. Tardio learned firsthand that playing alongside the top player comes with high expectations, intense competition, and valuable lessons.
Tardio admitted to being very nervous starting out, highlighting the huge expectations Dizon now carries. If New Jersey falls short, Dizon could take the blame.
Uncertain Future for Carolina
Ben and Collin Johns lead Carolina, but effort is a question. In 2024, both brothers seemed less motivated. Collin’s complaints about MLP are well known. The Carolina GM did little to boost the roster. While Ben Johns is a top talent, without fresh energy, Carolina may miss the playoffs. Fans are eager to see if the Johns brothers bring full effort this season.
Looking for New Stars
Each season, lower-drafted players step up. In 2024, Augie Ge helped Dallas win and Will Howells impressed for New Jersey. This year, eyes are on Kate Fahey from St. Louis. She is a top singles player but ranks just #25 in women’s doubles. St. Louis needs her to perform like a top 10-15 doubles player to win it all. If not, it could cost them the championship.
The MLP 2025 season brings excitement and uncertainty. Whether it’s injuries, player pressures, or new stars, anything can happen by November. Fans will be watching closely to see how the big stories unfold.
News in Brief: 2025 MLP Pickleball Season Preview
MLP 2025 kicks off Thursday in Orlando, with top teams like Dallas Flash, New Jersey, and St. Louis leading the field. Key storylines include player injuries, team pressures, and breakout talents. The season runs through summer, ending with playoffs in November. Fans expect an unpredictable and thrilling season ahead.
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