Underdogs and Rookies Ignite Major League Pickleball: The 2025 Major League Pickleball season reached its halfway point after the fourth event in Phoenix, with Daytona (June 5–8) kicking off the second half. As playoff pressure rises, teams are battling for position, with top squads pulling ahead and others fighting to stay in the race.
Ten events total make up the MLP season, and five remain before the postseason begins. With rankings and results becoming more important, the competition has become intense, especially for the final playoff spots.
Three Teams Fight for Two Spots
The Utah Black Diamonds, Miami Pickleball Club, and Chicago Slice are in a tight race for the last two playoff spots. These three teams are very close in the standings. Chicago Slice deserves special credit for rebuilding their entire roster after last season and still being in the mix.
The final stretch of five events will be tough. Changes in momentum, possible injuries, and team motivation will likely decide who moves on. As always in sports, effort and determination can make a big difference.
Top Teams Dominating the League
A surprising stat recently shared by Matty Pickles and featured in The Dink newsletter showed a major gap in performance: The top 8 teams have won all 42 of their matches against the bottom 8 teams. That means no bottom team has beaten a top team yet.
Four of the bottom 8 teams moved up from last year’s Challenger division. These teams are still adjusting and had to draft new players, which is always a risk. Most of these newer teams are still trying to find the right mix of talent. Still, there’s hope. Among the bottom 8, Miami Pickleball Club is seen as the most likely to cause an upset.
Rookies Step Into the Spotlight
In March, Major League Pickleball held its Premier and Challenger Drafts. A total of 34 new players were picked who had not played in 2024. Most of these players were chosen late in the draft, which often means limited chances to play.
Some of the new names who have earned playing time include Victoria Di Muzio, Liz Truluck, Max Freeman, Mya Bui, Alex Walker, and three players from the New York Hustlers.
So far, Mya Bui has been the most impressive, though none of these new players are in the Top 50 rankings yet. Most veteran players have years of experience, so it’s expected that the rookies will need time to grow. With more games and coaching, they could become stars in the future.
Top Four Picks for the Playoffs
Looking ahead to the final stage of the season, four teams stand out as top contenders: St. Louis Shock, New Jersey 5s, Dallas Flash, and Texas Ranchers. These teams have played well and shown they can win under pressure.
Future Outlook and What’s at Stake
As the second half of the season begins, every match will matter more. Teams on the edge must play with urgency, while top teams must protect their lead. Rookies will get more chances to prove themselves, and fans can expect tight, exciting matches ahead.
The rest of the MLP 2025 season promises drama, surprises, and big moments—both for longtime fans and new ones watching the action unfold.
News in Brief: Underdogs and Rookies Ignite Major League Pickleball
The 2025 Major League Pickleball season is halfway through. Top teams like St. Louis Shock and Dallas Flash are leading the race, while Utah Black Diamonds, Miami Pickleball Club, and Chicago Slice fight for the final playoff spots. Rookies like Mya Bui and Victoria Di Muzio are starting to shine.
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