Blockbuster MLP Trade: Major League Pickleball announced a trade between two teams on Tuesday. The Bay Area Breakers received Angie Walker from the Los Angeles Mad Drops. In return, the Mad Drops got Danna Funaro and cash. This move changes both teams’ rosters ahead of upcoming events.
Walker Joins Bay Area
Angie Walker will now play for the Bay Area Breakers. She served as a substitute for the Los Angeles Mad Drops in their first three matches of the season. Before that, she played for the Atlanta Bouncers in 2024, finishing with a 12-18 record.
She recently earned a Triple Crown at the New England PPA Challenger in May. That means she won singles, doubles, and mixed doubles at one tournament. She will now start for the Bay Area, which is 2-3 after its first matches in Austin.
Walker’s first event with her new team will be MLP San Clemente. The tournament will take place from June 26 to June 29.
Funaro Moves to Mad Drops
Danna Funaro will now join the Los Angeles Mad Drops. She returns to Premier Level play. She was picked 34th in the March free agency draft by the New York Hustlers.
Funaro played in just one event with the Bay Area, going 3-7 in her matches. She now becomes the third woman on the Mad Drops’ roster. She joins Catherine Parenteau and Jade Kawamoto.
The Los Angeles Mad Drops will continue their season this week at 2025 MLP Phoenix. That tournament starts on Thursday.
What It Means for Both Teams
This trade gives the Bay Area Breakers a strong starter with experience and recent wins. Angie Walker’s past play and her fitness from recent matches make her a solid addition. Her leadership may help the Bay Area turn around its losing record.
For the Mad Drops, Danna Funaro brings youth and hunger. Though she struggled early with the Bay Area, she now has a chance to grow behind top players like Catherine Parenteau and Jade Kawamoto. Her move also balances the Mad Drops’ lineup heading into 2025 MLP Phoenix.
This trade may impact how both teams perform in their next matches. Walker gets a fresh start with a new team. Funaro gets another chance at the Premier Level. Fans will be watching to see how they do in their new roles.
News in Brief: Blockbuster MLP Trade
Major League Pickleball announced a trade on Tuesday. Angie Walker joins the Bay Area Breakers. Danna Funaro and cash go to the Los Angeles Mad Drops. Walker will debut at MLP San Clemente in June. Funaro heads to the Premier Level with the Mad Drops, who play next at MLP Phoenix.