MLP and PPA Pickleball Tours Merge

Two professional pickleball leagues, the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball, have announced a merger under one unified holding company that will allow the two brands to be promoted under one roof.

The new combined organization will provide players, fans, and sponsors with a streamlined schedule. The PPA Tour is a bracket-style tour format while MLP is a team-based, coed league format. The partnership will provide a streamlined schedule and single entity overseeing the distinct brands.

“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,” said PPA Tour Owner Tom Dundon. “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.”

Fans will be able to watch both formats under one competitive umbrella with the new unified organization including over 150 professiona players. The PPA Tour is hosting 25 events in 2023. Major League Pickleball has since expanded from eight to 24 teams.

The consolidation of the two entities is backed by a $50 million investment by Dundon, SC Holdings, D.C. Pickleball Team owner Al Tylis and a roster of existing MLP team owners. In addition to Tylis, Dundon and Major League Pickleball Founder Steve Kuhn, the new board of directors will also include Jason Stein from SC Holdings and former Goldman Sachs Partner Brian Levine.

“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,” said Kuhn. “This merger will expand and improve opportunities for current and future players, creating a united experience and a better future playing professional pickleball.”