Major League Pickleball’s Austin Showdown: Major League Pickleball heads to Texas for its next stop as top teams prepare to battle at the 2025 MLP Austin event from Friday, May 23, to Monday, May 26. Held at Austin Pickle Ranch, this tournament brings intense matchups, high temperatures, and home-court pressure for the Texas Ranchers.
Twelve Premier Level teams will compete for standings points and bragging rights under the Texas sun. All six Challenger Level teams will also kick off their 2025 seasons during the four-day event. Matches begin at 2:00 p.m. Central on Friday, and 10:00 a.m. Central on Saturday, Sunday, and Memorial Day Monday.
Top Storylines in Austin
One key question is whether any Premier team can go undefeated in Austin. The weekend schedule is filled with difficult matchups and strong contenders, making a perfect run unlikely but possible.
The Texas Ranchers are playing at home, and the local support and barbecue-filled atmosphere could give them an edge. The Ranchers hope that crowd energy and familiar surroundings help them pick up key wins.
Another factor will be the weather. With temperatures expected near 98 degrees, players will face heat and humidity. Some teams might struggle, while others may use the heat to their advantage.
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Premier Team Spotlights
The Dallas Flash (4-0, 12 points) arrive undefeated after their performance in Orlando. All eyes are on them to see if they can continue playing mistake-free pickleball in Austin.
The Miami Pickleball Club (6-5, 16 points) will be tested against three semifinalist teams from last year. These matchups will help show how strong the Miami squad really is.
The New Jersey 5s (5-1, 13 points) suffered two losses in Orlando. Fans will be watching to see if Anna Leigh Waters and Meghan Dizon can bounce back and help New Jersey dominate in Texas.
The Orlando Squeeze (9-2, 25 points) have had a strong start to 2025. In Austin, they’ll face tougher opponents, and the competition will show if their winning ways can continue.
The Texas Ranchers (3-1, 9 points) are counting on Christian Alshon and Etta Tuionetoa. The pair recently made the mixed doubles final at the PPA Slam in Atlanta and could be the team’s difference makers at home.
Premier teams not competing in Austin include the Atlanta Bouncers, Brooklyn Pickleball Team, Carolina Hogs, Chicago Slice, Columbus Sliders, Los Angeles Mad Drops, New York Hustlers, Phoenix Flames, SoCal Hard Eights, St. Louis Shock, and Utah Black Diamonds.
Challenger Teams Make Their Debut
All six Challenger Level teams begin their 2025 seasons in Austin. Fans will be watching closely to see which one can leave the tournament at the top of the standings.
Key Matchups to Watch
Several high-stakes matches are set to draw attention:
- Saturday, May 24 at 4:30 p.m. Central: Dallas Flash face Texas Ranchers in a true Texas showdown.
- Sunday, May 25 at 4:30 p.m. Central: Dallas Flash take on New Jersey 5s in a rematch of the 2024 MLP Finals.
- Monday, May 26 at 1:00 p.m. Central: Texas Ranchers meet the New Jersey 5s in a key Memorial Day battle.
Looking Ahead
The Austin stop is an important point in the 2025 Major League Pickleball season. It offers a chance for top teams to gain ground in the standings. For the Challenger teams, it’s the first step in proving themselves.
The Texas Ranchers, playing in front of their fans, hope to rise with the help of home-court energy. No matter the outcome, the Austin event promises excitement, heat, and thrilling pickleball action from start to finish.
News in Brief: Major League Pickleball’s Austin Showdown
2025 MLP Austin runs May 23–26, at Austin Pickle Ranch, featuring 12 Premier teams and six Challenger teams. With heat, tough matches, and big names like the Dallas Flash and Texas Ranchers, it’s a key moment in the season and a true Texas test for all.
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