Utah Black Diamonds Rebuild After 2024 MLP Season: At first glance, the Utah Black Diamonds‘ 2024 Major League Pickleball (MLP) season appears to be one to forget. With seven Premier-level teams still running, the Utah Black Diamonds have already locked up last place in most metrics, finishing near the bottom of the standings. However, the real narrative of their season goes beyond the final results. It’s a tale of roster shuffles, financial moves, and ambitious plans for the future.
Roster Changes and Trades
The Utah Black Diamonds started the 2024 campaign with the MLP draft in April, selecting a team that, on paper, had regional chemistry. Tyson McGuffin, Callie Smith, Tyler Loong, and Alix Truong—three of whom call Utah Black Diamonds home—appeared to form a solid squad representing the Beehive State. Tyson McGuffin, while residing in nearby Idaho, completed the geographical connection.
However, the chemistry between Tyson McGuffin and Tyler Loong proved problematic. A long-standing feud between the two players created an issue that couldn’t be ignored.
Before the team even stepped onto the court at MLP D.C., the Utah Black Diamonds traded Tyson McGuffin to the Orlando Squeeze, acquiring Jay Devilliers in return. It wasn’t just a trade for talent but also future flexibility, as Utah Black Diamonds secured some cash to help shape the season.
Things didn’t start well. The Utah Black Diamonds dropped six consecutive matches, from MLP D.C. to the Mid-Season Tournament, before another trade reshaped the team. Jay Devilliers was sent to the Columbus Sliders in exchange for Connor Garnett, a player with past success alongside Tyler Loong and Alix Truong on the PPA Tour.
Connor Garnett’s impact was immediate. In his first appearance with the team, at MLP Salt Lake City, he helped the Utah Black Diamonds secure their first victory of the season.
“After being traded I feel like I found my fit on the Utah Black Diamonds. We are improving every tournament, and I’m looking forward to next year.” – (Connor Garnett)
From that point forward, the Utah Black Diamonds were more competitive, but a playoff push was never in the cards. Despite this, they remained one of the most active teams in the trade market. In late September, just before the trade deadline, the Utah Black Diamonds traded Callie Smith to the Columbus Sliders and, shortly afterward, picked up Genie Bouchard during the final waiver period.
Genie Bouchard made her MLP debut for the Utah Black Diamonds at MLP Las Vegas, rounding out a season that was as much about roster evolution as it was about wins and losses.
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Money Moves
The Utah Black Diamonds’ season cannot be analyzed without mentioning their financial strategies. In the Premier level draft, Utah Black Diamonds was the only team that didn’t spend any of its own money to increase their bid for selections.
Each team was allocated 500K points to bid with, and while some teams added more funds, Utah Black Diamonds played it safe, spending only 497K total across four picks.
Financial considerations played a key role in Utah Black Diamonds’ trades as well. Of the six trades they made, five involved financial compensation. The exception was the Jay Devilliers-Garnett swap, which was strictly player-for-player.
One of their most profitable moves came in June, when the Utah Black Diamonds received $100,000 from the Texas Ranchers for the first overall selection in Waiver Period 1, which allowed the Texas Ranchers to pick up Quang Duong.
In a season filled with on-court struggles, the Utah Black Diamonds undoubtedly “won” in the financial department.
Looking Toward the Future
While the Utah Black Diamonds’ results on the court were disappointing, there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic about the team’s future. In July, the Utah Black Diamonds revealed plans for the Utah Pickleball Center in South Jordan, Utah. Slated to open in October 2025, this facility will serve as a training center for the Utah Black Diamonds and a venue for future PPA Tour events.
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Owner and general manager Connor Pardoe took to social media to defend his team’s financial strategy, highlighting the long-term benefits Utah Black Diamonds will reap as they continue to build a sustainable future. His emphasis on investments off the court reflects the team’s belief in the bigger picture.
This one is for the UBD haters who are upset about us making trades and being smart with $. …. do you know another team that is investing in a $28M + home facility? Maybe we care the most…. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/RikNLrneX8
— Connor Pardoe (@connorpardoe_pb) October 3, 2024
The Utah Black Diamonds also made a significant coaching move, appointing longtime professional pickleball player Ryan Sherry as head coach. Ryan Sherry, a legend in the sport, brings a wealth of experience and credibility to a team in need of direction.
While the 2024 season didn’t meet expectations, the foundation is being laid for a brighter future in 2025 and beyond.
News in Brief: Utah Black Diamonds Rebuild After 2024 MLP Season
The Utah Black Diamonds struggled in the 2024 Major League Pickleball season, finishing near the bottom of the standings. Despite a challenging year on the court, the team remained active in trades and focused on building for the future.
With key acquisitions like Connor Garnett and Genie Bouchard, along with plans for the Utah Pickleball Center, the Utah Black Diamonds are positioning themselves for long-term success. Head coach Ryan Sherry is expected to lead the team into a more promising 2025 season.
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