Major League Pickleball 2025 Debut: Major League Pickleball (MLP) kicks off its 2025 season this weekend in Orlando, with all 16 Premier teams in action. The event is set to be one of the most exciting and challenging to follow, as new rosters debut, strategies are tested, and the introduction of side-out scoring to 11 changes the game dynamics. However, several questions remain as the league heads into its first event of the year.
Key Players to Watch
Several players are expected to be at the center of attention:
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Eric Oncins (Texas Ranchers): Known for his aggressive play and larger-than-life personality, Oncins will be put to the test with partner Christian Alshon against a tough opening schedule. Their early chemistry will be critical to the Ranchers’ success this season.
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Rachel Rohrabacher (Brooklyn Pickleball Team): After being dropped by Anna Bright, Rohrabacher is eager to prove her worth on a championship-contending team. A showdown against Bright’s St. Louis Shock will add extra drama to her return.
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Andrei Daescu (Columbus Sliders): As a top player in pickleball, Daescu faces the challenge of leading a high-expectation roster. With a brutal early schedule, Columbus will need to find quick cohesion to remain competitive.
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Meghan Dizon (New Jersey 5s): Dizon, paired with Anna Leigh Waters, has a huge opportunity to prove herself. As one of the favorites, New Jersey’s performance in Orlando is crucial for quieting any doubts.
Teams to Watch in 2025
Several teams have unique storylines that make them compelling to follow:
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Phoenix Flames: With only two matches in Orlando, the Flames will need to deliver strong performances to position themselves as potential spoilers. A poor showing, however, could set them back for the rest of the season.
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New York Hustlers and SoCal Hard Eights : Often considered among the weakest teams in the league, both have just two matches in Orlando. Early struggles could confirm preseason concerns, but any surprise performances could change expectations.
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Carolina Hogs: Rebranded for the season, the Carolina team will face a tough start, with two matches as underdogs. All eyes will be on Ben Johns, who showed signs of losing motivation in 2024. Known as “Mopey Ben,” it remains to be seen whether his reunion with brother Collin Johns will ignite his competitive spirit or if early adversity will affect his performance.
Bench Watch: Possible Early Changes
With MLP’s 6-player rosters, some players are expected to be benched early in the season. Helena Spiridis (New York Hustlers) and Mehvish Safdar (Utah Black Diamonds) are likely to find themselves on the sidelines, with potential replacements like Ling Wei Kong and Genie Erokhina ready to step in. For the men’s side, Ryan Fu and Ivan Jakovljevic could be swapped out, while Blaine Hovenier might secure a starting position.
Impact of Side-Out Scoring to 11
The switch to side-out scoring to 11 may not drastically change the outcomes of matches, but could lead to more one-sided games. Side-out scoring tends to make it harder for teams to mount comebacks, unlike rally scoring, which often keeps matches closer. While the game results may stay similar, this change could affect the excitement of individual matches, as it may reduce the number of nail-biting moments throughout the season.
Is the Chicago Slice Underrated?
The Chicago Slice has received mixed reviews, with some pundits ranking them as non-contenders. However, the team’s solid women’s roster could surprise stronger teams. While the men’s roster lacks proven success, players like James Ignatowich and Max Freeman need to step up. Despite questions surrounding some of their players, the Slice may offer more potential than expected.
Brooklyn’s Dreambreaker Capabilities
The Brooklyn Pickleball Team (formerly the DC Pickleball Team) enters 2025 with high expectations but faces challenges in the Dreambreaker event. Players like Rachel Rohrabacher and Dekel Bar can secure wins, but Riley Newman and Jackie Kawamoto, who don’t regularly compete in singles, might struggle. This could affect their overall performance in crucial Dreambreaker moments, especially against teams like Texas.
Possible Franchise City Swaps in 2025?
The recent swap between the Brooklyn Aces and the DC Pickleball Team has raised questions about the stability of MLP’s city affiliations. Though city swaps may not significantly impact the fan base yet, they highlight the instability in the league. It’s possible that more franchise city swaps could occur in 2025, creating further uncertainty for the teams and fans alike.
News in Brief: Major League Pickleball 2025 Debut
The 2025 MLP season begins this weekend in Orlando, with all 16 Premier teams in action. Players like Eric Oncins, Rachel Rohrabacher, Andrei Daescu, and Meghan Dizon are key storylines. The shift to side-out scoring to 11 is expected to change game dynamics. Teams like Phoenix Flames and Chicago Slice may surprise, while Brooklyn’s Dreambreaker potential remains a question.
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