This merger of the world’s two largest pro pickleball organizations has been backed by a $50m investment from a private equity company, PPA Tour owner, and various MLP team owners.
A Unified And Definitive Pro Pickleball Holding Company
The leading professional pickleball organizations MLP by Margaritaville (MLP) and Carvana PPA Tour (PPA Tour) have come together and agreed to merge under a unified and definitive professional pickleball holding company.
The consolidation of the two entities is backed by a $50M investment from SC Holdings, D.C., pickleball Team owner Al Tylis, PPA Tour owner Tom Dundon, and a roster of existing MLP team owners.
The newly merged organization aims to offer players, fans, and sponsors the advantages of a more streamlined schedule and a unified entity overseeing the two distinct yet complementary brands.
Promising Opportunities
This merger combines the preeminent individual and team-oriented professional pickleball formats under a single parent company, ensuring equal support and promotion for MLP and the PPA Tour.
The new holding company will instill players and sponsors with a strong sense of confidence and present promising opportunities in the future of professional pickleball.
The PPA Tour embodies the traditional, bracket-style tour format, determining the foremost players globally and spotlighting individual athletes and their unique journeys to attain the highest skill level.
On the other hand, MLP introduces an innovative team-based, coed league format that delivers exhilarating fan-centered experiences and competitive matchups throughout the regular season and championship events.
“Clarity And Consistency”
Major League Pickleball Founder Steve Kuhn says, “As professional pickleball continues to rapidly grow, we could not be more excited to provide both players and fans with the clarity and consistency of a unified professional pickleball organization.
“This merger will expand opportunities for current and future players, creating a united experience and a better future playing professional pickleball.”
PPA Tour owner Tom Dundon commented, “Over the past few years, we have seen ever-increasing interest from investors, sponsors, fans, and players who understand the immense value in the future of professional pickleball.”
“The holding company unifying the PPA Tour and MLP will create a streamlined sport for fans and add more meaningful opportunities for player competition, broadcasting rights, and sponsorship throughout the professional pickleball calendar.”
Over 150 Pro Pickleball Players
Professional pickleball enthusiasts will now have the opportunity to witness both thrilling formats and the sport’s top players competing under a single competitive banner. The newly unified organization boasts a roster of over 150 prominent professional pickleball players and an extensive calendar of team and individual events throughout the year.
The parent company’s board of directors and team owners feature an impressive lineup of business leaders, prominent investors, and professional athletes.
The reconstituted board of directors will include notable figures such as Jason Stein from SC Holdings, Al Tylis, the owner of the D.C. Pickleball Team, Tom Dundon, owner of the PPA Tour, Steve Kuhn, the founder of MLP, and Brian Levine, a former partner at Goldman Sachs.
Major League Pickleball and Carvana PPA Tour Announce Full Merger to Form a Unified Professional Pickleball Organization
— Major League Pickleball (@MajorLeaguePB) September 13, 2023
👉https://t.co/W5DSqtzIwZ pic.twitter.com/f1P6hPaQRB
About Carvana PPA Tour
The Carvana PPA Tour stands as the premier professional pickleball tour, orchestrating events and establishing rankings for the top male and female pickleball players on a global scale. The tour allocates over $5.5 million in annual prize money, maintaining a commitment to equal play and pay.
In 2023, the Carvana PPA Tour will organize 25 events at esteemed venues, including the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Cincinnati, Mission Hills Country Club in California, and the Darling Tennis Center and Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.
Established in 2019, the Carvana PPA Tour operates under the ownership and management of its parent corporation, Pickleball.com.
For more information, go to ppatour.com and follow them on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
About Major League Pickleball
Major League Pickleball (MLP by Margaritaville) stands as the foremost team-based professional pickleball league, serving as the standard-bearer for the rapidly expanding sport in the United States.
Established by Steve Kuhn in 2021, MLP has seen remarkable growth, expanding from eight to 24 teams. The league is dedicated to elevating the sport’s significance in society and leaving a lasting impact on all aspects of pickleball’s business.
MLP introduces a distinctive coed team format, boasts illustrious owners, employs easily comprehensible scoring, and offers the highest prize money payouts among all professional pickleball competitions.
In December 2022, MLP welcomed its inaugural title sponsor, Margaritaville, leading to the league’s rebranding as MLP by Margaritaville. For more information, visit margaritaville.com.
For more information on Major League Pickleball, visit majorleaguepickleball.net and follow it on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
