Major League Pickleball Announces Competition Structure Updates and 2025 League Calendar for Player Keepers, Free Agency, Waiver Wire, and Trade Deadline

Major League Pickleball (MLP by Margaritaville) today announced competition structure updates and key league operations dates for player acquisitions and roster moves throughout the 2025 MLP season, which will begin in Orlando, FL at the USTA National Campus, Apr. 24-27.

In the most noteworthy new twist starting in 2025, the 16 Premier Level teams will see roster expansion from four players to six (three men and three women), allowing for unique roster building strategies and optimal match day lineup setting. Additional information about the 2025 MLP Competition Structure follows the calendar grid.

Full 2025 competition structure updates and operations can be found on the MLP website, with several high-level updates noted:

• Player Eligibility: Only players under UPA contract will be eligible to play in MLP events
• Rosters: All Premier Level teams will see rosters expand to six (6) players – three (3) men and three (3) women Playoffs: Ten (10) Premier teams and all six (6) Challenger Level teams will qualify for their level’s Playoffs
• Trades: There will be two trade windows – Trade Window #1 (Wednesday, Jan 22-Saturday, Feb 15), and Trade Window #2 (from the conclusion of Challenger Level Free Agency-Monday, Jul 14)
• Mid-Season Tournament: Regular season standings points will be earned by each level’s top three (3) finishers
• Waiver Wire: There will only be one (1) waiver wire period in 2025, following MLP Salt Lake City (regular season event #5)… Only players under UPA contract will be eligible to be claimed on waivers
• Scoring: MLP will utilize side out scoring for doubles matches and will maintain the DreamBreaker format (rally scoring to 21, switch every 4 points) as the fifth game
• Injured Reserve: If a player is placed on IR, they will be ineligible to play for the remainder of the season 
• Player Loans: Will no longer exist as an avenue for player acquisition, as a result of expanded Premier rosters

Additional information and details about the 2025 MLP season – including individual event and team-by-team season schedules – will be shared shortly.