MLP Orlando 2025: The Major League Pickleball (MLP) Orlando event kicks off with big changes. From April 25-28, 2025, all 16 Premier Level teams will compete, debuting new scoring rules, bigger rosters, and new player movement rules. This event marks the first of two full-team showdowns this season.
MLP Expands Premier Level Teams and New Playoff System
This year, MLP’s Premier Level features 16 teams. The 12 teams from last year remain, joined by four former Challenger Level teams: Atlanta Bouncers, Chicago Slice, Miami Pickleball Club, and SoCal Hard Eights.
For the playoffs, the top 10 teams qualify. Seeds 7-10 must play a single-elimination match to reach the quarterfinals. The 7-seed team picks its opponent from the 9- or 10-seed teams, adding extra strategy to regular season rankings.
New Scoring System Introduced
MLP will now use side-out scoring for the first time. In each match, teams play four games—two gender doubles and two mixed doubles. If the match ties 2-2, it goes to a Dreambreaker. Each game plays to 11 points, win by two, using side-out scoring. This replaces all previous rally scoring styles and begins at the Orlando event.
Bigger Rosters for Premier Teams
Premier Level teams now have six players—three women and three men. This change helps manage injuries, illness, and availability issues. Teams must select four starters by the night before their match. Special singles or mixed doubles players are not allowed yet, though MLP hopes to add these in the future.
Draft and Trade Updates
Before the season, teams had to drop at least one player. A new draft on March 2 filled all 96 Premier Level roster spots. Trade Window #2 opened after the Challenger event and stays open until July 14 at 10 p.m. The Dink will update all trade moves during the season.
Player Steal Rule in Play
Teams can now “steal” players during two designated periods. Before stealing, each team protects four key players. The other two are eligible to be taken. To steal, a team must also drop one of their top four players. The first chance to steal comes in early May, after MLP Columbus.
Why These Changes Matter
The updates aim to improve team strategy, player management, and fan excitement. Bigger rosters mean fewer match forfeits. Side-out scoring brings pickleball closer to traditional formats, creating a more familiar game for fans. With 16 full rosters and new rules in place, MLP Orlando could set the tone for an exciting 2025 season.
News in Brief: MLP Orlando 2025
The MLP Orlando event introduces side-out scoring, expanded six-player rosters, and a new player steal rule. Sixteen Premier Level teams, including promoted squads like Miami Pickleball Club, will compete. The playoff system now features strategic single-elimination matches. Fans can expect a fresh and dynamic start to the 2025 season.
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