Major League Pickleball Announces Expansion to 24 Teams for 2025 Season
In a bold move that underscores the meteoric rise of pickleball, Major League Pickleball (MLP) has announced its expansion from 16 to 24 teams for the 2025 season. The announcement reflects the sport’s surging popularity, increased investment interest, and a growing appetite for team-based professional pickleball.
A League on the Rise
After a successful 2024 season with 16 teams, MLP is scaling up to meet soaring fan and investor demand. Since its founding in 2021, the league has evolved from a niche startup into a powerhouse of professional sports, with a format that combines men’s and women’s doubles matches in a fast-paced, coed team structure.
“We’ve seen exponential growth in every area—player interest, fan engagement, sponsorships, and media exposure,“ said MLP founder Steve Kuhn. “Expanding to 24 teams in 2025 is a natural progression that allows us to broaden our national reach and deepen the talent pool.”
Celebrity Owners and Big Investors
A wave of high‑profile ownership groups has driven much of MLP’s momentum. Celebrities and athletes such as LeBron James, Tom Brady, Kim Clijsters, and Drake have invested in the league, bringing mainstream attention and capital to the sport. Many of these figures will launch or back the new 2025 expansion teams.
Valuations for MLP teams have skyrocketed—some reportedly reaching seven-figure valuations—driven by increased viewership, brand partnerships, and the sport’s accessibility across age groups and regions.
Details of the Expansion
While the league has yet to release the complete list of new team locations or owners, sources suggest several new markets in the Midwest, Pacific Northwest, and Sunbelt states are under consideration. These areas have seen rapid growth in recreational pickleball participation, making them ideal candidates for professional teams.
The 2025 format will preserve MLP’s signature coed structure, with teams consisting of two men and two women competing in a mix of doubles and mixed doubles matches. Expanding will mean more matches, fan engagement opportunities, and a broader national footprint.
Pickleball’s National Surge
According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), pickleball has been the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. for three consecutive years, with over 10 million active players as of 2024. Cities are building dedicated pickleball courts at record rates, and sports brands are launching new equipment and apparel lines to cater to the booming market.
MLP has capitalized on this momentum by securing media deals, merchandise partnerships, and sponsorships with major brands, positioning itself as the league to watch in the coming years.
What’s Next?
With its 2025 expansion now official, MLP is setting the stage for its biggest and most competitive season yet. The additions promise to shake up the current team hierarchy, introduce new stars, and bring professional pickleball to more fans than ever before.
“This is more than just a sports league—it’s a cultural movement,“ said Kuhn. “And the 2025 season will mark a new chapter in the evolution of pickleball.”
