Two of the foremost professional pickleball entities, the Carvana PPA Tour (“PPA Tour”) and MLP by Margaritaville (“MLP”) have declared today the finalization of their previously disclosed merger and the establishment of a unified and decisive professional pickleball holding company.
A $75 Million Investment
This amalgamation of the two organizations has been facilitated by a $75 million investment from private equity firm SC Holdings, D.C. Pickleball Team owner Al Tylis, PPA Tour proprietors Tom Dundon and the Pardoe Family, alongside a group of existing MLP team owners.
The merger integrates the primary individual bracket-style tour and team-based professional pickleball formats, with the PPA Tour and MLP retaining their distinct brands and formats.
Over 150 professional pickleball players, including the world’s top-ranked players, have inked multi-year deals with the new entity, with many due to take part in an extended calendar merging individual (PPA Tour) and team (MLP) events throughout the year.
Benefits For Players, Fans, And Sponsors
This unified schedule promises benefits for players, fans, and sponsors alike, offering a streamlined calendar and simplifying the sport’s following for enthusiasts of all levels. Anticipated annual player payouts for the unified organization in 2024 are projected to surge by nearly 250% compared to 2023, opening up more avenues for players to pursue pickleball as a full-time profession.
“Today is an exciting day for everyone involved or interested in the world of pickleball,” remarked PPA Tour Founder and CEO Connor Pardoe.
“MLP and the PPA Tour working as partners creates a sustainable, viable, and healthy ecosystem for all key participants in which the best players in the world can play in both of the thrilling pickleball formats, ensuring that we’re promoting the highest-quality, most exciting events.”
MLP CEO Bruce Popko stated, “This merger signals the next phase of growth for professional pickleball, and the combined resources and networks of the PPA Tour and MLP will support the sport at all levels.
“Commercially, this unification positions us to be even better partners, as sponsors, broadcast partners, venue operators, equipment manufacturers, and others will benefit from the combined, expanded 2024 schedule of PPA and MLP events.
“While unified through a parent company, the PPA Tour and MLP will maintain their distinct brands, allowing sponsors and partners to invest in the brands that best align with their business goals, all the while showcasing a consistent, premier product for fans across both playing formats.”
It’s official 🤝 pic.twitter.com/9LGfsHUVaY
— Carvana PPA Tour (@PPAtour) February 29, 2024
The 2024 Carvana PPA Tour
Following the completion of the merger, the 2024 Carvana PPA Tour will include a series of events that commenced on January 9 with PPA Tour: The Masters in Palm Springs, California, and will culminate with the PPA Tour Finals in San Clemente, California, on December 5-8.
Meanwhile, the 2024 MLP season will feature a lineup of regular season events, in addition to the 2024 MLP Mid-Season Tournament in July and the 2024 MLP Playoffs in November. The league’s 24 teams will be divided into two tiers – Premier and Challenger – with each team participating in numerous regular season events.
The board of directors of the parent company and team owners features a roster of business luminaries, leading investors, and professional athletes.
This newly formed board will include Jason Stein from SC Holdings, D.C. Pickleball Team owner Al Tylis, Matt Turney from Dundon Capital Partners, MLP team owner Julio DePietro, and former Goldman Sachs Partner Brian Levine.
About MLP by Margaritaville
MLP by Margaritaville (Major League Pickleball) stands as the premier team-based professional pickleball league, showcasing over 100 of the finest athletes across 24 teams, a unique coed format, straightforward scoring, renowned team owners, and the most vibrant live events and fan experiences in the sport.
Established in 2021, MLP named its inaugural title sponsor, Margaritaville, rebranding the league MLP by Margaritaville in December 2022.
For further information on Major League Pickleball, visit the official website and follow MLP on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
About Carvana PPA Tour
Founded in 2019, the Carvana PPA Tour serves as the arena where elite pickleball athletes vie for supremacy. The Carvana PPA Tour orchestrates and administers tournaments at top-tier facilities nationwide, establishes player rankings, and showcases some of the world’s finest pickleball talent week after week.
Extending invitations to amateur players to compete and “play where the pros play,” the Carvana PPA Tour offers divisions catering to every age group and skill level.
Distinguished by its festive and convivial atmosphere, Carvana PPA Tour events provide unparalleled experiences for on-site fans, including pro-player meet-and-greets, clinics, refreshments, live entertainment, giveaways, games, shopping, and VIP upgrades.
For additional details, visit ppatour.com and follow it on social media platforms, including Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
