MLP San Clemente Showdown: Major League Pickleball is returning to San Clemente, California, for its sixth event of the 2025 regular season. The competition will take place from June 26 at Life Time San Clemente, with 12 teams battling for key points as the race toward the playoffs heats up.
The matches come at a crucial moment in the season, with teams having completed about half of their scheduled games. The event gives mid-table teams the chance to gain ground, especially since top teams like the St. Louis Shock, Texas Ranchers, and Utah Black Diamonds will not be playing.
Key Matchups to Watch
The highlight matches will involve the Los Angeles Mad Drops, the Brooklyn Pickleball Team, and the Columbus Sliders. These three teams are closely ranked in the standings and will face each other during the event. Wins in these games, especially by a 3-1 margin instead of 3-2, could significantly affect playoff positions.
Other teams competing in San Clemente include the Phoenix Flames, SoCal Hard Eights, and Utah Black Diamonds in the Premier Level. Challenger Level teams playing are the Bay Area Breakers, California Black Bears, Florida Smash, Las Vegas Night Owls, Nashville Chefs, and Brooklyn Pickleball Team.
Returning to a Familiar Venue
Life Time San Clemente, located at 111 Avenida Vista Montana, will again host the event after welcoming two memorable competitions in 2023. The venue’s scenic setting in Orange County and high-quality courts make it one of the favorite stops on the MLP tour.
This stop is especially notable as it’s hosted by all four California-based teams: the Los Angeles Mad Drops, SoCal Hard Eights, Bay Area Breakers, and California Black Bears.
What This Means Going Forward
This event marks the halfway point in the 2025 Major League Pickleball season. With 10 regular-season events in total, every win matters for teams hoping to qualify for the playoffs in August. A strong showing in San Clemente could push one of the mid-tier teams into a playoff spot.
The full MLP season includes not only the regular season but also a Mid-Season Tournament, a two-week playoff series, and the MLP Cup, which will take place in November.
News in Brief: MLP San Clemente Showdown
Major League Pickleball returns to San Clemente from June 26, with 12 teams competing for playoff points. Key matchups include the Los Angeles Mad Drops, Brooklyn Pickleball Team, and Columbus Sliders. With top teams sitting out, mid-level squads have a prime chance to rise in the standings.
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