MLP Salt Lake City Playoff Race: The final event of the Major League Pickleball regular season kicks off Thursday, August 1, 2025, at The Picklr in Kaysville, Utah. Seven Premier level teams and all six Challenger level teams will compete over four days. The results will help decide the standings ahead of the Toray MLP Playoffs San Diego later this month.
Texas Ranchers aim for playoffs without Christian Alshon
The Texas Ranchers (11-9, 36 points) have a chance to pass the Los Angeles Mad Drops (18-7, 49 points) for a top-six playoff spot. To do that, they need 14 out of 15 possible points in their five matches this weekend. However, they’ll be without key player Christian Alshon.
Wyatt Stone will replace Christian Alshon and pair with Eric Oncins in men’s doubles. In mixed doubles, he’ll team up with Kaitlyn Christian. The Ranchers will face the Chicago Slice and Utah Black Diamonds on Thursday.
New players debut for Orlando and Miami
Thursday also marks the first matches for some newly traded players. Milan Rane will play her first match with the Orlando Squeeze (12-8, 34 points) after being traded from the Miami Pickleball Club. Orlando will face the Atlanta Bouncers (4-16, 14 points).
Meanwhile, Tammy Emmrich will debut for the Miami Pickleball Club (7-13, 19 points) against the Chicago Slice. She will bring fresh energy to Miami as they fight to stay in the playoff picture.
Miami vs. Chicago: fight for final playoff spot
The match between the Miami Pickleball Club and the Chicago Slice (5-15, 18 points) could have a major impact on the postseason. Miami holds the tenth and final playoff spot for now, but Chicago is just one point behind.
The Chicago Slice will play twice on Thursday, first against the Texas Ranchers and later against Miami. A win over Miami could allow them to jump into a playoff spot, replacing the South Florida squad.
Thursday match schedule
Premier level matches:
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Texas Ranchers vs. Chicago Slice
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Atlanta Bouncers vs. Orlando Squeeze
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Miami Pickleball Club vs. Chicago Slice
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Utah Black Diamonds vs. Texas Ranchers
Challenger level matches:
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Bay Area Breakers vs. D.C. Pickleball Team
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Florida Smash vs. California Black Bears
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Nashville Chefs vs. Bay Area Breakers
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Las Vegas Night Owls vs. Nashville Chefs
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What comes next
This weekend is the last chance for teams to earn points before heading into the playoffs. With playoff spots still up for grabs, every match matters. Fans can expect intense action as teams try to secure their place in the Toray MLP Playoffs San Diego starting mid-August.
News in Brief: MLP Salt Lake City Playoff Race
The final MLP regular season event begins Thursday in Kaysville, Utah. The Texas Ranchers fight for playoff seeding without Christian Alshon. New players Milan Rane and Tammy Emmrich debut for Orlando and Miami. A key matchup between Miami and Chicago could decide the last Premier level playoff spot.