MLP and PPA Pickleball Tours Officially Complete Merger

The PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball have completed a previously announced merger of the two professional tours under a unified holding company that will allow the brands to be promoted under one roof.

The consolidation of the two entities is backed by a $75 million investment by private equity firm SC Holdings, D.C. Pickleball Team owner Al Tylis and a roster of existing MLP team owners in addition to Tylis, PPA Tour Owner Tom Dundon and the Pardoe family.

“Today is an exciting day for everyone involved or interested in the world of pickleball,” said PPA Tour Founder and Chief Executive Officer 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.”

More than 150 players have signed contracts with the new entity, which combines individual PPA Tour and team MLP events throughout the year. The PPA Tour features 25 tournaments culminating with the Tour Finals in San Clemente, California in December. The 2024 MLP season schedule has a series of events plus a Mid-Season Tournament in July and the playoffs in November. The league’s 24 teams will be divided across two levels — Premier and Challenger — with each team at numerous regular season events.

“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,” said Major League Pickleball Chief Executive Officer Bruce Popko. “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.”