MLP Team Dropouts: Is Major League Pickleball Shrinking or Evolving?
In the fast-paced world of professional pickleball, few topics have sparked as much debate as the recent wave of team dropouts from Major League Pickleball (MLP). Once hailed as the disruptive force propelling pickleball into the mainstream, MLP has faced a turbulent period with teams folding, players jumping ship, and whispers of financial instability echoing through the community. Is this a sign of the league shrinking under its own weight, or is it a necessary evolution toward sustainability and long-term dominance?
The stakes couldn’t be higher. Pickleball, America’s fastest-growing sport, exploded in popularity during the pandemic, with MLP at the forefront. Launching in 2021, the league quickly amassed millions in investment, star players like Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters, and sold-out events. But by 2024, headlines screamed of chaos: DUPR’s PPA merger talks collapsed, teams like Fury and SoCal dropped out, and player contracts became battlegrounds. Fans wonder if the dream of a unified pro circuit is crumbling, while investors eye the bottom line.
This isn’t just league drama—it’s a pivotal moment for pickleball’s professional future. A shrinking MLP could fragment the sport, diluting talent and fan interest. Conversely, strategic pruning might forge a leaner, more competitive entity, much like how the NBA consolidated after early expansions. Why does this matter to you? Whether you’re a weekend warrior dreaming of pros, a fan glued to broadcasts, or an investor scouting the next big thing, understanding MLP’s trajectory shapes how pickleball grows.
In this deep dive, we’ll unpack the history, dissect the dropouts, analyze data, hear from insiders, compare to rivals like PPA and APP, explore financials, and forecast what’s next. By the end, you’ll have a clear view: contraction or evolution? And actionable insights to navigate the shifting sands. Buckle up—this is pickleball’s crossroads.
Table of Contents
- 1. A Brief History of Major League Pickleball
- 2. The Meteoric Rise and Early Successes
- 3. The Dropouts: Who Left and Why
- 4. Cracking the Financial Code Behind the Exits
- 5. Player Perspectives: Contracts, Loyalty, and Frustrations
- 6. Organizational Shifts and Leadership Decisions
- 7. Data Dive: Participation Numbers and Trends
- 8. MLP vs. Rivals: PPA, APP, and the Pro Landscape
- 9. Pros and Cons of League Contraction
- 10. Signs of Evolution: Smarter Strategies Emerging
- 11. Future Outlook: Predictions for MLP 2025 and Beyond
- 12. Practical Advice for Players, Fans, and Investors
1. A Brief History of Major League Pickleball
Major League Pickleball burst onto the scene in 2021, founded by pickleball pioneers Tom Dundon (NHL Carolina Hurricanes owner) and Connor Pardoe. Unlike the established Professional Pickleball Association (PPA), which focused on individual tournaments, MLP introduced a team-based format inspired by Premier Lacrosse League and Major League Rugby. Teams of four—two men, two women—competed in a unique “Challenger” scoring system, blending singles, doubles, and team events.
The inaugural season featured eight teams across four events, drawing crowds and media buzz. By 2022, expansion hit 16 teams, with prize money soaring to $5 million. Investments poured in: $50 million valuation, partnerships with Dick’s Sporting Goods, and broadcasts on FOX Sports. Stars flocked: Johns, Waters, Tyson McGuffin. MLP positioned itself as pickleball’s entertainment arm, prioritizing spectacle over pure competition.
But roots trace deeper. Pickleball, invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, surged post-2020. MLP capitalized, but cracks formed early. Rapid growth strained logistics, player burnout rose, and rival tours like PPA and APP vied for talent.
Key Milestones Timeline
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2021 | League launches with 8 teams |
| 2022 | Expands to 16 teams, $5M prizes |
| 2023 | 24 teams announced, DUPR integration |
| 2024 | Team dropouts begin, PPA merger fails |
This foundation set the stage for explosive growth—and the dropouts that followed.
2. The Meteoric Rise and Early Successes
MLP’s ascent was pickleball’s rocket fuel. Attendance skyrocketed: 2022 finals drew 10,000+ fans. Viewership hit 1.2 million on PPV. Revenue streams diversified—tickets, merch, sponsorships from Selkirk and Joola. Player salaries jumped from $50K to $300K+ for top contracts.
Innovation shone: Mini-matches, trick shots, team jerseys fostered loyalty. Events like The Bastrop Championship became festivals, blending sport with music and food trucks. Social media exploded—MLP’s TikTok reels garnered 100M+ views.
Anecdote: At 2023’s Atlanta event, Ben Johns’ overtime winner against DJ Young sparked viral frenzy, cementing MLP’s entertainment edge. Metrics backed it: DUPR ratings showed pro-level play rivaling PPA.
Yet, hubris lurked. Overexpansion diluted quality; remote events flopped logistically.
3. The Dropouts: Who Left and Why
2024 marked the exodus. First casualty: Fury Pickleball, citing “scheduling conflicts.” SoCal Hard Eights followed, owners frustrated by “unrealistic demands.” By mid-season, four teams gone, roster from 24 to 20.
High-profile exits: PPR edged out voluntarily; Orlando Squeeze restructured. Players like Catherine Parenteau bolted to PPA full-time. Reasons? Overlapping schedules with PPA (MLP events clashed), travel fatigue, and payout disputes.
Notable Dropouts Breakdown
- Fury: Ownership: “Financial non-viability.”
- SoCal: “Lack of player buy-in.”
- Texas Ranchers: Merged into other squads.
- DC Pickleball Team: Logistics nightmare.
Insider quote:
“MLP promised the world but delivered chaos. Players are exhausted chasing two tours.” —Anonymous pro, Pickleball Union podcast.
Pattern: Smaller-market teams struggled most, unable to cover costs.
4. Cracking the Financial Code Behind the Exits
Numbers tell the tale. MLP’s $100M+ valuation masked losses: 2023 revenue ~$25M against $40M expenses (player pay, venues, marketing). Team owners shouldered $500K+ annual fees, recouped via local sponsors—scarce outside hubs like Austin, Dallas.
Break-even math: Need 5,000 tickets/event at $50 avg., plus $200K sponsors. Dropouts hit when sponsors balked amid economic headwinds (inflation up 3-5%). Equity deals soured; some owners underwater.
Financial Health Indicators
| Metric | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 Proj. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | $15M | $25M | $30M |
| Expenses | $20M | $40M | $45M |
| Teams Active | 16 | 22 | 18 |
Expert analysis: Deloitte report notes sports leagues average 10-year profitability runway; MLP’s at year 3, vulnerable.
5. Player Perspectives: Contracts, Loyalty, and Frustrations
Pros bear the brunt. MLP contracts: $100K-$500K base + bonuses, but 30+ events/year clashed with PPA’s 25-tour grind. Burnout rampant—Anna Leigh Waters skipped MLP dates for recovery.
Survey data (Pickleball Union, n=150 pros): 62% prefer unified tour; 45% cite MLP’s format as “fun but inconsistent.” Loyalty tested: Ben Johns stayed, but Riley Newman defected, calling MLP “glorified exhibition.”
“I love the team vibe, but we need stability. Dropouts hurt our brand.” —Tyson McGuffin interview, Pickleball Magazine.
Case study: Catherine Parenteau’s exit—traded mid-season, resurfaced in PPA stronger, winnings up 20%.
6. Organizational Shifts and Leadership Decisions
Leadership churn: CEO Lee Whitwell out 2023; Pardoe interim. DUPR acquisition for ratings centralized power, alienating teams. Failed PPA merger (Jan 2024) exposed fractures—PPA demanded control.
Responses: MLP cut events to 12, focused premiums. New rules: Unified calendars, player drafts. Board added independents for oversight.
SWOT glimpse:
- Strengths: Brand, talent.
- Weaknesses: Overreach.
- Opportunities: TV deals.
- Threats: Fragmentation.
7. Data Dive: Participation Numbers and Trends
Crunch time. DUPR data: MLP pro matches down 15% YoY (2023: 1,200; 2024: 1,020). Attendance: Avg. 4,500/event (-20%). But quality up—win margins tighter (avg. 2.1 pts vs. 3.2).
Overall pickleball: USA Pickleball membership +25% to 50K. Courts +40%. MLP share: 30% pro events.
Trend Graphs Insight (Described)
Participation peaked 2023, dipped 2024—but rebounding Q4 with streamlined schedule. Juniors up 50%, signaling health.
Mistake: Ignoring amateur pipeline; MLP now invests academies.
8. MLP vs. Rivals: PPA, APP, and the Pro Landscape
PPA: Tourney-focused, 25 events, $5.5M prizes. APP: Global push, 15 events. MLP: Team spectacle, 12 events.
| League | Prizes 2024 | Events | Player Avg. Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| MLP | $5M | 12 | $150K |
| PPA | $5.5M | 25 | $120K |
| APP | $2M | 15 | $80K |
Hybrid emerging: Pros play all three. PPA gains traction post-merger flop. MLP differentiates via teams—loyalty factor.
Anecdote: 2024 PPA Champs drew MLP stars, blurring lines.
9. Pros and Cons of League Contraction
Pros of Shrinking
- Cost control: Fewer teams = sustainable ops.
- Talent concentration: Better matches.
- Brand focus: Premium events shine.
Cons
- Fan alienation: Lost local teams.
- Revenue dip: Less merch/sponsors.
- Perception hit: “Failing” narrative.
Balance: Contraction mirrors NFL’s 1970s stability post-AFL merger.
10. Signs of Evolution: Smarter Strategies Emerging
MLP adapts: 2025 plans 16 elite teams, international expansion (Canada, Europe). Tech: AI scheduling, VR broadcasts. Partnerships: ESPN deal rumored.
Player council formed; equity shares for stars. Junior MLP launch. Metrics: Engagement up 10% post-cuts.
“Pruning the tree makes it stronger.” —Connor Pardoe, MLP statement.
Evidence: Q3 2024 events sold out faster.
11. Future Outlook: Predictions for MLP 2025 and Beyond
Bold calls: By 2026, MLP-PPA hybrid under one banner. Valuation rebounds to $200M with streaming. Growth drivers: Olympics 2032 push, 100M US players.
Risks: Recession, injury waves. Upside: Gen Z fans (40% under 25). Advanced insight: Blockchain ticketing for loyalty.
Optimistic: Evolving, not shrinking.
12. Practical Advice for Players, Fans, and Investors
For Players
- Diversify tours; negotiate flex contracts.
- Build personal brands—social > league.
- Prioritize recovery: Off-season mandatory.
For Fans
- Support locals: Tournaments fill voids.
- Engage online: Discord communities.
- Watch hybrids: Best of all worlds.
For Investors
- Bet on evolution: Buy low now.
- Target juniors/infra: Long tail.
- Demand transparency: Audit teams.
Conclusion: Navigating Pickleball’s Evolution
MLP team dropouts aren’t apocalypse—they’re adolescence pains. History shows rapid growers prune: NBA from 23 to 30 teams strategically. Data reveals stability emerging: tighter rosters, rising quality, adaptive leadership. Financials stabilize, players adapt, fans endure.
Key takeaways: 1) Contraction breeds focus. 2) Fragmentation temporary—unification looms. 3) Pickleball’s boom (>36M players) dwarfs league hiccups.
Actionable: Players, hedge tours. Fans, rally locals. Investors, pounce on dips. MLP evolves toward pickleball’s NBA—team passion meets pro polish.
What’s your take? Drop a comment: Shrinking or evolving? Subscribe for updates, share if this clarified the chaos. Let’s paddle forward together.