Phoenix Flames
The Phoenix Flames emerged from a rebrand of the Arizona Drive ahead of the 2025 Major League Pickleball (MLP) season. Originally launched to represent Arizona’s deep talent pool and passionate pickleball base, the franchise was renamed to better reflect its competitive spirit, bold aspirations, and growing fan engagement across the Southwest.
Owned by a dynamic leadership group—Charles Darling, Tim Fyke of Proton Sports, and financial professionals Jeff and Chrissy Tsao—the Flames are built on three pillars: elite talent, strategic agility, and a community-first mission. This team not only competes at the highest level but also seeks to grow the sport’s presence throughout Arizona, blazing a trail for the next generation of players and fans.
Whether dominating the MLP court or building pickleball infrastructure at the grassroots level, the Phoenix Flames are fueled by energy, excellence, and ambition.
Current Roster (2025 Season)
| Player Name | Gender | Acquisition Method | Year Acquired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tyson McGuffin | Male | Trade from ORL | 2025 |
| Jack Sock | Male | Free Agency Draft (#6) | 2025 |
| Jessie Irvine | Female | Trade from Carolina | 2024 |
| Alex Walker | Female | Free Agency Draft (#41) | 2025 |
| Pesa Teoni | Male | Free Agency Draft (#48) | 2025 |
| Genie Bouchard | Female | Trade from NJ | 2025 |
Draft Results
2024 MLP Draft
| Date | Player Name | Draft Position |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 2, 2024 | Andrei Daescu | #5 |
| Apr 2, 2024 | Dylan Frazier | #13 |
| Apr 2, 2024 | Lacy Schneemann | #34 |
| Apr 2, 2024 | Kaitlyn Christian | #35 |
2025 Free Agency Draft
| Date | Player Name | Draft Position |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 2, 2025 | Jack Sock | #6 |
| Mar 2, 2025 | Alex Walker | #41 |
| Mar 2, 2025 | Pesa Teoni | #48 |
Key Transactions (2024–2025)
| Date | Transaction Details |
|---|---|
| Sep 29, 2024 | Acquired Jessie Irvine from Carolina; traded Kaitlyn Christian |
| Feb 11, 2025 | Acquired Meghan Dizon, Tyson McGuffin, and cash from Orlando; traded Frazier & Schneemann |
| Feb 14, 2025 | Acquired Jay Devilliers and cash from Columbus; traded Andrei Daescu |
| Feb 16, 2025 | Retained Meghan Dizon, Tyson McGuffin, Jessie Irvine; dropped Jay Devilliers |
| Mar 5, 2025 | Traded Meghan Dizon to New Jersey; acquired Genie Bouchard and cash |