Samin Odhwani’s MLP Leadership: Major League Pickleball (MLP) has appointed Samin Odhwani as its new commissioner, the league announced on April 24, 2025. Odhwani, currently the Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) of the United Pickleball Association (UPA), will now oversee MLP’s on-court competition and business operations.
The MLP is a team-based pickleball league in the U.S. that merged with the PPA Tour in 2023 to form the UPA. Odhwani has worked as CSO across both leagues since January and will continue in that position while also taking on his new responsibilities.
A Strong Background in Sports and Strategy
Odhwani brings a wealth of experience in sports strategy. Before joining the UPA, he worked as Manager of Global Strategy & Innovation at the NBA and as VP of Strategy for Kevin Durant’s company, 35V, and Boardroom.
He also served as General Manager of the Brooklyn Aces, the MLP team co-owned by Durant, from mid-2023 through February 2025.
New Responsibilities and Goals
As commissioner, Odhwani now leads MLP’s game operations and business plans. This includes media rights, marketing, and team relations. His role also covers content strategy and league growth.
“Having worked at the NBA, or investing with KD, seeing [MLS Commissioner] Don Garber and [NWSL Commissioner] Jess Berman (through 35V’s investments in the Philadelphia Union and Gotham FC) — the commissioner role has to touch both.” – (Odhwani)
“Do I have 22 team owners who are my best friend and call at any day or time of night to say, ‘Hey, I want to talk about rules?’ Yes, of course. At the same time, it’s the balancing act of, ‘Where’s the business going?’ What the successful commissioners have done is nail both parts.” – (Odhwani)
Odhwani becomes MLP’s second commissioner. The first, Brooks Wiley, served from 2021 until late 2023. His new role also fills MLP’s CEO position, which has been open since Bruce Popko stepped down in August 2024.
Looking Ahead to Media Deals
Odhwani’s first major task will be preparing for the league’s media rights talks. Current national partners—ESPN, Fox, and Tennis Channel—and local outlets like Gray Media and FanDuel Sports Network, have deals that end after the 2025 season.
“We have a blank slate for ’26, which is fun. Because then the puzzle pieces come together.” – (Odhwani)
Odhwani will remain based in Dallas, where UPA is headquartered. As CSO, he reports to UPA CEO Connor Pardoe. As MLP commissioner, he reports to MLP’s board. Pardoe also owns the Utah franchise in the league.
What This Means for the League
Odhwani’s appointment marks a new chapter for MLP. With his background in sports strategy and leadership, the league is likely to grow in competition and business. His focus on future media partnerships could lead to wider exposure and bigger opportunities for teams and players.
News in Brief: Samin Odhwani’s MLP Leadership
Major League Pickleball named UPA CSO Samin Odhwani as its new commissioner on April 24, 2025. Odhwani will oversee league play and business growth while keeping his UPA strategy role. His top priorities include raising MLP’s profile and leading key media rights talks ahead of the 2026 season.
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