Major League Pickleball Teams: Major League Pickleball (MLP) teams across the U.S. are gaining attention as celebrities, athletes, and business leaders continue to invest. From Brooklyn to Los Angeles, new ownership groups are helping the sport grow by adding star power, business experience, and strong community support.
Brooklyn Pickleball Team Wins Big
The Brooklyn Pickleball Team (BKPT) is the top MLP team from Brooklyn. The ownership group includes stars like Eva Longoria, Justin Verlander, Kate Upton, Rip Hamilton, and Odell Beckham Jr. BKPT won its first MLP Championship on November 5, 2023, in Dallas.
The team has top players such as Rachel Rohrabacher, Dekel Bar, Riley Newman, Jackie Kawamoto, Hannah Blatt, and Pat Smith. These athletes bring a mix of tennis, squash, and pickleball experience, making BKPT a strong and skilled team.
Carolina Hogs Find a New Home
The Carolina Hogs were first known as the Seattle Pioneers. Tom Dundon formed the team in 2023 and later moved it to the Carolinas in 2024. The area’s growing love for pickleball made it the perfect place for a new MLP team. The team was renamed the Carolina Pickleball Club.
Chicago Slice Builds on City Pride
Chicago Slice started in 2023 with support from Ron Saslow’s Thirty-5 Capital. Big names like Tom Ricketts, Heidi Klum, Doug Ellin, and Chris Evert are also part of the team’s ownership.
Ron Saslow is also the CEO of ProXR Pickleball, a paddle sponsor for MLP since 2021. Chicago Slice owners believe in the city’s passion for sports and want to make pickleball big in Chicago.
Columbus Sliders Grow the Game in Ohio
The Columbus Sliders team was created in 2022 by David Kass and Doug Ulman. Kass is a former pro tennis player, and Ulman has strong ties to early MLP members. Later, business leaders Brian Yeager, Michelle Yeager-Thornton, and Caroline Worley joined them.
They chose Columbus, Ohio, for its strong sports fans and business network. Together, they are helping bring pro pickleball to Central Ohio.
Dallas Flash Has Star Power and Vision
Dallas Flash Pickleball was launched in 2023 by Mark Molthan, Todd Wagner, and Mark Cuban. Molthan is a Dallas-based business leader with a passion for sports. As the team’s managing director, he wants to build strong local support for Dallas Flash Pickleball.
Los Angeles Mad Drops Add Athlete Owners
The Los Angeles Mad Drops were founded in 2022 by Good Alpha Industries. Their ownership group includes sports stars like Drew Brees, Josh Allen, Jayson Tatum, and Haley Jones. Real estate expert Ryan Serhant is also part of the team. This group brings wide experience and national attention to the LA franchise.
What This Means for Pickleball’s Future
The rise of celebrity owners and strong business leaders is making MLP more popular. These investors bring fans, money, and new ideas to the sport. As more teams form and cities get involved, pickleball is growing fast and becoming a major sport in the U.S.
News in Brief: Major League Pickleball Teams
Major League Pickleball is attracting famous athletes, stars, and business leaders as team owners. From Brooklyn to Los Angeles, these owners are helping the sport grow with strong teams, city pride, and fan support. With more investment and excitement, pickleball is becoming a top sport across the United States.
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