The 2025 Major League Pickleball season kicks off Thursday, April 24, at the USTA National Campus in Orlando, Florida. All 16 Premier Level teams, including defending champions Dallas Flash, will compete over four days. Fans can expect fierce competition and new league updates this season.
Season Opener with Star-Studded Lineup
The Dallas Flash return to the same court where they won the 2024 championship against the New Jersey 5s. They’ll join 15 other Premier Level teams from Thursday to Sunday in Orlando, with live coverage streaming on Pickleballtv and the Pickleballtv App. This year’s opener includes several new changes that make the 2025 MLP season especially exciting.
Major League Changes for 2025
MLP presented by DoorDash
The league is now branded as MLP presented by DoorDash after a multi-year deal signed in April. This partnership marks the largest sponsorship in league history.
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Side Out Scoring
The league is switching to side out scoring for Gendered and Mixed Doubles. These matches go to 11 points, win by two. DreamBreakers keep rally scoring to 21, with players switching every four points. DreamBreakers must still be won on serve.
Expanded Team Rosters
Premier team rosters now include six players—three men and three women. Teams must choose which two men and two women will compete each day before matches.
Playoff Points System
A win in regulation is worth three points. A DreamBreaker win is two points, and a DreamBreaker loss earns one point. Regulation losses earn zero. Ten Premier teams and all six Challenger teams will qualify for the 2025 MLP Playoffs.
Saturday and Sunday Night Pickleball
New primetime matches will include fan-centered upgrades like alternate uniforms, louder crowds, and improved broadcast quality.
Team Rebrands
Several teams updated their names this year:
- Premier: Brooklyn Pickleball Team (formerly DC Pickleball Team), Carolina Hogs (formerly Pickleball Club), and Phoenix Flames (formerly AZ Drive)
- Challenger: D.C. Pickleball Team (formerly Brooklyn Aces) and Nashville Chefs (formerly Frisco Pandas)
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Match Schedule for MLP Orlando (All times ET)
| Date | Court | Time | Match |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 24 | Championship Court | 3:00 p.m. | Texas Ranchers vs. Brooklyn Pickleball Team |
| April 24 | Championship Court | 4:45 p.m. | Columbus Sliders vs. New Jersey 5s |
| April 24 | Championship Court | 6:30 p.m. | Pro Am Exhibition |
| April 24 | Grandstand Court | 2:00 p.m. | SoCal Hard Eights vs. Miami Pickleball Club |
| April 24 | Grandstand Court | 3:45 p.m. | NY Hustlers vs. Atlanta Bouncers |
| April 25 | Championship Court | 12:00 p.m. | Dallas Flash vs. Columbus Sliders |
| April 25 | Championship Court | 1:45 p.m. | Brooklyn Pickleball Team vs. New Jersey 5s |
| April 25 | Championship Court | 3:30 p.m. | Columbus Sliders vs. Carolina Hogs |
| April 25 | Championship Court | 5:15 p.m. | Phoenix Flames vs. Orlando Squeeze |
| April 25 | Grandstand Court | 11:00 a.m. | SoCal Hard Eights vs. Orlando Squeeze |
| April 25 | Grandstand Court | 12:45 p.m. | Miami Pickleball Club vs. Utah Black Diamonds |
| April 25 | Grandstand Court | 2:30 p.m. | NY Hustlers vs. Dallas Flash |
| April 25 | Grandstand Court | 4:15 p.m. | Atlanta Bouncers vs. Texas Ranchers |
| April 26 | Championship Court | 12:00 p.m. | Carolina Hogs vs. Dallas Flash |
| April 26 | Championship Court | 2:00 p.m. | New Jersey 5s vs. Atlanta Bouncers |
| April 26 | Championship Court | 3:45 p.m. | New Jersey 5s vs. Phoenix Flames |
| April 26 | Championship Court | 5:30 p.m. | Brooklyn Pickleball Team vs. Orlando Squeeze |
| April 26 | Grandstand Court | 11:00 a.m. | Columbus Sliders vs. Texas Ranchers |
| April 26 | Grandstand Court | 12:45 p.m. | Utah Black Diamonds vs. Orlando Squeeze |
| April 26 | Grandstand Court | 2:30 p.m. | Miami Pickleball Club vs. Brooklyn Pickleball |
| April 26 | Grandstand Court | 4:15 p.m. | Miami Pickleball Club vs. LA Mad Drops |
| April 27 | Championship Court | 11:00 a.m. | Brooklyn Pickleball Team vs. St. Louis Shock |
| April 27 | Championship Court | 12:45 p.m. | New Jersey 5s vs. LA Mad Drops |
| April 27 | Championship Court | 2:30 p.m. | Orlando Squeeze vs. LA Mad Drops |
| April 27 | Championship Court | 4:15 p.m. | St. Louis Shock vs. New Jersey 5s |
| April 27 | Grandstand Court | 10:00 a.m. | Miami Pickleball Club vs. Chicago Slice |
| April 27 | Grandstand Court | 11:45 a.m. | Columbus Sliders vs. Utah Black Diamonds |
| April 27 | Grandstand Court | 1:30 p.m. | Chicago Slice vs. Texas Ranchers |
| April 27 | Grandstand Court | 3:15 p.m. | Miami Pickleball Club vs. Columbus Sliders |
What It All Means for MLP and Fans
This week’s tournament will show how teams adapt to the new rules and expanded rosters. With more teams competing and more at stake, every match matters in the race for playoff points. The rebranded league and new format aim to boost fan experience both onsite and on screen.
News in Brief: 2025 Major League Pickleball Season Kicks off
MLP 2025 begins April 24 at the USTA National Campus in Orlando. All 16 Premier teams will compete over four days. New rules, team rebrands, and added features mark a fresh season for Major League Pickleball, with live coverage on Pickleballtv and the Pickleballtv App.
ALSO READ: MLP Orlando 2025: Latest Rules and Team Expansions Set to Thrill Fans