Major League Pickleball 2025 Rule Changes: Major League Pickleball made big changes for the 2025 season. On April 14, 2025, the league cut the number of Premier Level Waiver Periods from four to two. It also updated how money from player pickups is handled. These changes aim to keep top players on the court and improve fairness.
New Season Format Begins
The changes began on January 22, 2025. Major League Pickleball shared that each Premier Level team would now have six roster spots. They also decided that matches would use side-out scoring instead of rally scoring. This was part of a larger plan to improve team strategy and competition.
The “Player Steal” Rule
On February 26, 2025, Major League Pickleball added a new rule. It allowed teams to “steal” players during Waiver Periods. There would be four times in the season when this could happen. But the rule came with limits.
Each team had to name its top four players as “keepers.” These players were protected. If a team wanted to take a 5th or 6th player from another team, they had to give up one of their own top four. The goal was to make sure great players were playing instead of sitting on the bench.
Fewer Waiver Periods and Cash to Teams
On April 14, 2025, Major League Pickleball made another update. There would now be only two Premier Level Waiver Periods, not four. Also, the money that teams spend to pick up a player now goes directly to the team losing that player. Before, that money went to the league. This gives teams more value if they lose a player to another team.
Key Dates for First Waiver Period
Major League Pickleball gave a full schedule for the first Premier Level Waiver Period:
Tuesday, May 6: Premier teams must name their 5th and 6th players by Noon ET.
Wednesday, May 7: The league will share a list of available players by Noon ET.
Thursday, May 8: Teams must send in their waiver bids by Noon ET using a Dutch Auction.
Friday, May 9: The league will release the waiver selection order by Noon ET. Picks cannot be traded.
Monday, May 12: The first Waiver Period opens at Noon ET. Teams will make their picks in one round.
What It All Means
These new rules and timeline changes could make the 2025 season more exciting. Top players will get more chances to play, and teams will be rewarded if they lose talent. By changing how roster moves work, MLP hopes to create a more balanced and competitive league.
News in Brief: Major League Pickleball 2025 Rule Changes
Major League Pickleball changed its 2025 season rules. It reduced Premier Waiver Periods from four to two and made sure teams losing players get the money from pickups. The first Waiver Period begins on May 12, 2025, with key deadlines leading up to it. These changes aim to keep top talent active.
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