After months of strategic maneuvering and behind-the-scenes efforts to ensure its sustainability, Major League Pickleball (MLP) made a thrilling return this past weekend. The 2024 season kicked off with a series of matches that showcased both the chaos and the charm of America’s fast-growing sport. Hosted at the Life Time Fitness facility in Peachtree Corners, just north of Atlanta, this event not only marked the beginning of the season but also introduced fans to new team dynamics formed during last month’s draft.
New Year, New Format
MLP recently rolled out a detailed competition structure for this year, emphasizing a shift from last year’s format. Notable changes include the scheduling of eight regular season events, with each team participating in five. This format deviates from previous years where all teams attended every event.
Additionally, the mid-season tournament promises high stakes with all 22 teams competing in a double-elimination format for a $200,000 prize pool, injecting significant competitive spirit and motivation among the players. Premier and Challenger Level teams will face off against one another in this event, an exciting twist that could allow for a potential Cinderella Story!
The playoff structure has also seen a revision. November will feature a two-week playoff series in Dallas and Orlando, designed to enhance competition and add to the excitement with a best-of-three match setup.
Scoring modifications are evident too, with the introduction of rally scoring up to 25 points, removing the previous freeze rule which many felt disadvantaged the leading team. Teams will still have to win by 2 points, which adds another exciting layer to close matchups!
The final notable change to the new format is that MLP has introduced a strategic layer with waiver wires and trade deadlines, allowing teams to adjust their rosters mid-season. These changes aim to increase the competitiveness and strategic depth of the league, allowing players to truly prove their worth through their performances at each event.
MLP Atlanta: Things Heat Up In Georgia!
This weekend’s event was not just about pickleball; it was about testing new team chemistries and strategies under the 2024 format. The games played over the weekend provided a snapshot of how teams have adapted to the new rules and team dynamics.
Day one was notable for the dominant performance by Christian Alshon and the Texas Ranchers over Riley Newman’s Columbus Sliders, showcasing potential shifts in player strengths and weaknesses. We also got to see the new powerhouse duo of Lea Jansen and Jackie Kawamoto lead the New York Hustlers in a big 3-2 win over the Columbus Sliders.
As the weekend continued, each match day brought its own set of surprises and standout performances. The St. Louis Shock emerged as one of the league’s top contenders, led by their first-round draft pick, Anna Bright. She won every single game in women’s doubles alongside teammate Kate Fahey, so we expect them to continue to dominate as one of the league’s best duos.
The Anna Leigh Waters-led New Jersey 5s demonstrated their potential to dominate the season by winning all three of their matches, while others still have strategies to tweak before the next event. The AZ Drive, despite having the lowest games won percentage, will be our underdog going into their next event, as the duo of Andrei Daescu and Dylan Frazier seems like one of the strongest for men’s dubs.
Top Performing Premier Level Teams
| Team | Matches Won | Matches Lost | Games Won | Games Lost | Games Won % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Louis Shock | 4 | 1 | 15 | 7 | 68% |
| New Jersey 5s | 3 | 0 | 9 | 6 | 60% |
| D.C. Pickleball Team | 3 | 1 | 11 | 6 | 64% |
Challenger Level matches also provided drama, with teams like the Bay Area Breakers and Frisco making significant statements against their opponents. Players like Vivian Glozman and college prodigy Collin Shick stood out, pushing the Breakers toward the top of the standings through crucial victories and big plays.
One of the biggest surprises for us was seeing the So Cal Hard Eights leave with a 1-5 record despite having drafted two players who were top-tier in the 2023 Premier Level: Irina Tereschenko and Erik Lange. We expect to see them bounce back at the next event once their team finds more on-court chemistry.
Top Performing Challenger Level Teams
| Team | Matches Won | Matches Lost | Games Won | Games Lost | Games Won % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bay Area Breakers | 5 | 1 | 18 | 9 | 66% |
| Frisco Pandas | 3 | 1 | 10 | 8 | 55% |
| Brooklyn Aces | 2 | 1 | 6 | 6 | 50% |
As the event wrapped up, it was clear that the new MLP format had succeeded in elevating the level of play and excitement. Looking ahead, the MLP season promises more excitement with upcoming events, including the next one in Washington D.C.
The league’s adjustments in competition structure and team dynamics appear to be successful, though will they see continued growth in the fan base? Pro pickleball is on the brink of major growth; time will tell if the MLP lasts following the tumultuous 2023 season.
