Major League Pickleball Expansion Franchise: Major League Pickleball announced on Friday that the Palm Beach Royals will become a new team in the league, starting play in 2026. The team was bought at the highest price in league history by Zach Hunter and Taylor Meyer of Hyperspace Ventures.
The league shared the news in a press release and praised the new team’s ownership group. Samin Odhwani, Chief Strategy Officer of the United Pickleball Association and MLP Commissioner, said, “The addition of an expansion franchise at the highest team valuation in league history speaks loudly to what has been — and is continuing to be — built by MLP and the PPA Tour in just a few years. We greatly look forward to the contributions that Zach, Taylor and their ownership group can bring to MLP.”
Strong Leadership with Sports and Tech Background
Zach Hunter and Taylor Meyer are former tennis players at the University of North Carolina. They are also known as successful tech entrepreneurs. This mix of sports and business experience is expected to bring strong leadership to the Palm Beach Royals.
The league also mentioned that more well-known investors — including celebrities, athletes, and business leaders — may join the ownership group soon.
What’s Next for the Royals
The league said more details, such as how the Palm Beach Royals will get their players, will be shared during the MLP offseason.
Taylor Meyer posted an Instagram story on Friday suggesting the team will play at the Premier Level. However, MLP has not yet confirmed that detail officially.
League Changes in 2026
In another change for next season, the winner of the 2025 Challenger Level will move up to the Premier Level. That means the Challenger Level will have only five teams left.
With the Palm Beach Royals joining, the Premier Level is expected to include 18 teams in 2026.
News in Brief: Major League Pickleball Expansion Franchise
Major League Pickleball is adding the Palm Beach Royals as a new franchise in 2026. Owned by Zach Hunter and Taylor Meyer of Hyperspace Ventures, the team was bought at a record price. The Royals are likely to join the Premier Level, bringing the total number of top-tier teams to 18.
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