Major League Pickleball Teams
Hey there, pickleball enthusiasts! Get dig into the exciting world of major league pickleball teams! In this article, we’ll dish out all the juicy details about the players profile of your favorite teams. Let’s jump right in
Bay Area Breakers
The Chicago Slice Bay Area Breakers is a major league pickleball team composed of owners Mimi and David Mercado, Ritchie Tauzon, Geoffrey Nguyen, Wayley and Kathleen Louie, Jeff and Stacey Nishi, and Jeremy Lin, as well as players Vivian Glozman, Ewa Radzikowska, Christian Alshon, and Pablo Tellez.
The players, known for their skill and dedication, compete at the highest level of the sport, showcasing their talents and representing the team with pride.
The Chicago Slice Bay Area Breakers are a prominent force in the major league pickleball scene, consistently demonstrating their passion and commitment to the sport.
Chicago Slice
Chicago Slice is a pickleball team located in Chicago and is sponsored by Team DUPR. They use the Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR) system, with a team rating of 24.87. The team consists of doubles players Ben Johns, Jessie Irvine, Lacy Schneemann, and Erik Lange, each with their own DUPR ratings.
Chicago Slice was formed in 2023 by Ron Saslow’s firm Thirty-5 Capital and has notable co-owners such as Tom Ricketts, Heidi Klum, Doug Ellin, and Chris Evert. Ron Saslow is also the Founder and CEO of ProXR Pickleball. Thirty-5 Capital has been a supporter of Major League Pickleball (MLP) since its inception. The team chose Chicago as its location due to the passionate sports fans in the city and the ownership team’s roots there.
Seattle Pioneers
With a roster featuring players like Sofia Herrera, Timothy Gomez, Lauren Stratman, and Scott Moore, the Seattle Pioneers have showcased exceptional doubles skills and consistently achieved high ratings.Herrera, with a doubles rating of 5.73, brings a solid performance to the team, while Gomez, with a rating of 5.62, adds to the team’s competitive edge. Stratman, with a doubles rating of 7.16, is a standout player known for her strong play and strategic decision-making. Moore, with a rating of 6.67, further strengthens the team’s overall performance.
Los Angeles Mad Drops
The Los Angeles Mad Drops is a team based in Los Angeles, California. Established in March 2022. Led by General Manager Zubin Mehta, the team is known for its strong doubles players.
The doubles players for the Los Angeles Mad Drops include Jordan Kinney, Gabriel Tardio, Brooke Buckner, and Olivia McMillan. Jordan Kinney boasts a rating of 6.61, followed by Gabriel Tardio with a rating of 6.45. Brooke Buckner and Olivia McMillan have ratings of 5.72 and 5.34 respectively.
The team is owned by venture capital firm Good Alpha Industries and Super Bowl Champion Drew Brees, among others. They are sponsored nationally by Richards Rainwater. The Los Angeles Mad Drops have participated in various premier events, including the MLP 2023 Mesa: Premier Finals against New York Hustlers and the MLP SAN CLEMENTE: PREMIER SUPERFINALS against Seattle Pioneers.
A notable player for the team is Julian Arnold, also known as ‘The Lob Doctor’. He is known for his impressive lob shots in pickleball and is considered a key player for the Los Angeles Mad Drops. With his strategic lobs, Julian Arnold contributes greatly to the team’s success.
New Jersey 5s
The New Jersey 5S is a pickleball team located in New Jersey. The team has a rating of 23.40 according to the Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating system. The team is owned by DUPR.
The players on the team include Alli Phillips, Stefan Auvergne, Shelby Bates, John Cincola, and Doubles Dupr.
The team was formed in 2022 by Gary Vaynerchuk and Ryan Harwood. Gary Vaynerchuk, who grew up in NJ, had a lifelong dream of owning a sports franchise. Ryan Harwood is a former Division 1 College Tennis Player. The team is inspired by MLP’s vision to build the dominant Pickleball League and is excited to be part of the fastest growing sport in the US.
The team also has a shop where fans can purchase team gear. There are also related content pieces discussing Gary Vee’s perspective on MLP, as well as the New Jersey 5S’ matches in the MLP Premier Finals against the Seattle Pioneers and the Premier Semi-Finals against the Milwaukee Mashers.
Milwaukee Mashers
The Milwaukee Mashers is a pickleball team that was formed in 2021 by James Blake and Marc Lasry. Previously known as The Lions, the team aims to promote the growth of pickleball in Wisconsin.
They are one of the original eight teams in the Major League Pickleball. The team consists of players like Rianna Valdes, Christa Gecheva, Pesa Teoni, and Young, who all have impressive ratings in doubles play. James Blake, a former tennis star, and Marc Lasry, a former Milwaukee Bucks owner, are eager to make the Milwaukee Mashers a well-known name in the state. The team has upcoming matches against the California BLQK Bears, Frisco Clean Cause, and the Seattle Pioneers.
Dallas Pickleball Club
The Dallas Pickleball Club is a pickleball club located in Dallas. It was formed in 2023 by prominent figures such as Mark Cuban, Dirk Nowitzki, Robert Herjavec, John Isner, Chandler Parsons, and Todd Wagner. The club has strong ties to Dallas, with Cuban owning the Dallas Mavericks, Nowitzki being a former player for the Mavericks, Isner residing in Dallas, and Parsons being a former Mavericks player.
The club has several notable players, including James Ignatowich, Callie Jo Smith, Allyce Jones, and Jay Devilliers. Each player has their own individual player summary.
The club has participated in various matches and tournaments, including the MLP Daytona Beach 2023: Challenger Finals against the Bay Area Breakers, the MLP Daytona Beach 2023: Challenger Semi-Finals against the Miami Pickleball Club, the MLP Daytona Beach 2023: Challenger against the Orlando Squeeze and AZ Drive, and the MLP Mesa 2023: Challenger Level Group Play against the Brooklyn Aces and Atlanta Bouncers.
Utah Black Diamonds
One of the notable teams in the major league pickleball circuit, the Utah Black Diamonds. The team, which is based in Utah, has become a prominent contender in major league pickleball.
Led by undisclosed owners the team include players such as Michelle Esquivel, Olivia McMillan, Spencer Smith, and Rob Cassidy, the team possesses a roster of talented athletes. These players have demonstrated their expertise and contributed to the team’s success in various tournaments and competitions.
Miami Pickleball Club (MPC)
The Miami Pickleball Club (MPC) is a pickleball club located in Miami, Florida. It was formed in 2022 by notable individuals such as tennis players Naomi Osaka and Nick Kyrgios, musician Kygo, two-time Super Bowl winner Patrick Mahomes, and NBA super-agent Rich Paul, among others. The club has a rating of 24.56 and is part of Team DUPR, utilizing the Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating system.
The club has several notable players, including Federico Staksrud, Tyson McGuffin, Hurricane Tyra Black, and Mary Brascia, each with their respective ratings in Doubles DUPR.
MPC has participated in various MLP (Major League Pickleball) events. In the MLP Daytona Beach 2023 matches, the club competed in the Challenger Semi-Finals against the Dallas Pickleball Club, Challenger Quarter-Finals against the Texas Ranchers, and had matches against the D.C. Pickleball Team, Chicago Slice, and Utah Black Diamonds.
Additionally, the club has been involved in other MLP events, including matches against the Chicago Slice and Orlando Squeeze in Challenger Level Group Play and the Challenger Quarter-Finals against the Chicago Slice in MLP San Clemente 2023.
Overall, the Miami Pickleball Club is a prominent pickleball club in Miami, aiming to promote and expand the sport in South Florida and beyond.
- Located in Miami
- Has a rating of 24.56
- Part of Team DUPR
BLQK Bears
The BLQK BEARS is a pickleball team based in California. It was formed in 2021 by Ritchie Tuazon, a native of Pasadena, CA. One of the players on the team is Marshall Brown, who has a DUPR rating of 6.37. His doubles partner is Tina Pisnik. Another player on the team is Alix Truong, who has a DUPR rating of 5.27. His doubles partner is Anderson Scarpa. Team DUPR is also mentioned, which is associated with the Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR).
Florida Smash
Florida Smash is a premier pickleball team based in Florida. It was formed in 2022 by Travis Rettenmaier, Graham D’Amico, Julio DePietro, Molly Joseph, and Andrew Olson, who met on the local pickleball courts at Crescent Lake Park in St. Petersburg, Florida.
They have established a partnership with Major League Pickleball (MLP), making them strategic partners of the league. . Florida Smash is known for its skilled players, including Dominique Schaefer, Collin Shick, Brendon Long, and Michelle Esquivel, who excel in doubles play.
The team’s matchups in the MLP San Clemente 2023 tournament, particularly against the Milwaukee Mashers, have showcased intense competition and displayed the players’ skill and strategy. Overall, Florida Smash is a prominent team representing the thriving pickleball community in Florida.
Atlanta Bouncers
The Atlanta Bouncers is an expansion team in Major League Pickleball (MLP) that was established in 2023. They represent the Dirty South and are the only MLP club representing Atlanta. The team was inspired by Atlanta’s famous bar scene and is known for its sports fandom and massive tennis community. The pickleball scene in Atlanta is rapidly growing.
The Atlanta Bouncers have several notable players on their roster. Parris Todd, Hunter Johnson, Pablo Tellez, and Simone Jardim are all doubles players for the team. Parris Todd has a rating of 5.92, Hunter Johnson has a rating of 6.53, Pablo Tellez has a rating of 6.59, and Simone Jardim has a rating of 5.86. These players represent the Atlanta Bouncers in doubles matches.
The team has been involved in various MLP events and matches. They have faced off against teams like the Texas Ranchers, Arizona Drive, Brooklyn Aces, Bay Area Breakers, and Dallas Pickleball Club. The Johnson brothers, including Hunter Johnson, have been part of the team’s battles in pickleball matches.
Overall, the Atlanta Bouncers are a promising team in the MLP, representing Atlanta and the growing pickleball scene in the city.
Brooklyn Aces
Brooklyn Aces is a Major League Pickleball team based in Brooklyn, New York. Co-owned by Rich Kleiman, Kevin Durant, and other superstars, the team represents the borough and is known for its engagement with the local community. The Aces have a Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR) of 24.91.
The team consists of players like Catherine Parenteau, Andrea Koop, Hayden Patriquin, and Tyler Loong, each with impressive ratings in Doubles DUPR.
Brooklyn Aces differentiate themselves by actively seeking ways to bring the sport of pickleball to underserved populations. They are involved in various challenging matches, including those against teams like the Texas Ranchers, Columbus Pickleball Club, Utah Black Diamonds, Atlanta Bouncers, and Dallas Pickleball Club.
In summary, Brooklyn Aces is a highly rated pickleball team with a strong presence in Brooklyn. They are committed to engaging with the community and expanding the reach of the sport.
D.C. Pickleball Team
The D.C. Pickleball Team was formed in December 2022 and represents Washington, D.C. in the Major League Pickleball (MLP). The team consists of members such as Al Tylis, Sam Porter, Eva Longoria, Justin Verlander, Kate Upton, Rip Hamilton, Shawn Marion, Odell Beckham Jr., and Mesut Ozil. Pickleball is currently the fastest growing sport in America, and the D.C. Pickleball Team aims to unite communities and contribute to the sport’s growth.
The team includes players like Riley Newman with a rating of 6.90, Jackie Kawamoto with a rating of 6.02, Jade Kawamoto with a rating of 5.87, and Christian Alshon with a rating of 6.69. All players participate in doubles matches.
The formation of the D.C. Pickleball Team was led by influential figures, and they are thrilled to represent Washington, D.C. in the MLP. The team recognizes the significant role that D.C. plays in the growth of the sport and aims to unite communities and promote the sport’s expansion.
The D.C. Pickleball Team has participated in various MLP matches, including challenges against teams like the Miami Pickleball Club, Utah Black Diamonds, Bay Area Breakers, and Columbus Pickleball Club. They have also competed in the MLP San Clemente 2023 matches, including the Challenger Semi-Finals against Dallas Pickleball Club and the Challenger Quarter-Finals against AZ Drive.
Overall, the D.C. Pickleball Team is an active and enthusiastic participant in the MLP, working towards promoting the sport and representing Washington, D.C.
St. Louis Shock
The St. Louis Shock is a professional pickleball team that was formed in 2023. It is owned by Richard Chaifetz and his family, with Richard Chaifetz serving as the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of ComPsych Corporation. The Chaifetz Group, which is associated with the team, has investments in emerging sports assets. Ross Chaifetz is responsible for overseeing the team operations.
The team roster includes players like Martin Emmrich, Rob Nunnery, Judit Castillo Gargallo, and Genie Erokhina, who compete in the doubles category with the St. Louis Shock. Each player has their own rating, with Rob Nunnery having the highest rating of 6.39.
Richard Chaifetz and his family are not only the team owners but also actively contribute to the St. Louis community through investments and philanthropic efforts. Richard Chaifetz is well-known for his role as the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of ComPsych Corporation. Ross Chaifetz, on the other hand, is responsible for managing the team’s operations.
Orlando Squeeze
The Orlando Squeeze is a pickleball team that was formed in 2023 by the DeVos Family, who are the longest-tenured ownership group in the NBA. They have been the stewards of the Orlando Magic since 1991 and have a passion for sports business. The team is building on their investment in Orlando and pickleball.
The Squeeze consists of players like Rachel Rohrabacher, Anna Bright, Andrei Daescu, and Zane Navratil, who have impressive doubles DUPR ratings. The DeVos Family has had a long-standing impact on the city of Orlando and they are known for their passion in the sports business. The team has upcoming matches in the Major League Pickleball (MLP) against various clubs like Bay Area Breakers, Dallas Pickleball Club, Texas Ranchers, and Miami Pickleball Club.
Texas Ranchers
The Texas Ranchers is a pickleball team located in Texas. They have a team rating of 24.95 and are owned by Team DUPR. The team consists of four players: Dylan Frazier, Jorja Johnson, Lauren Stratman, and Travis Rettenmaier. These players also form doubles partnerships within the team.
The Texas Ranchers are one of the founding teams in Major League Pickleball (MLP) and were founded by Tim Klitch and Bryan Sheffield. They have had strong finishes in the 2022 season, winning the Newport event and placing 3rd in Columbus.
AZ Drive
AZ DRIVE is a premier professional pickleball team located in Arizona. Committed to excellence and sportsmanship, they are an elite group of players coached by an experienced professional.
The team DUPR consists of players Doubles with Dekel, Julian Arnold, Vivienne David, and Vivian Glozman, each with their respective Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR). AZ DRIVE is supported by notable investors, including Michael Phelps, Devin Booker, Dierks Bentley, Larry Fitzgerald Jr., Doug Hirsch, Sheila Gulati, John Merwin, Sam Fox, Brian Frakes, Mark Dalton, Richard J. Schnall, and Magnus Carlsen.
Socal Hard Eights
SoCal Hard Eights is a pickleball team based in Southern California. They have a Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR) of 23.90, indicating their skill level. The team consists of players such as Ewa Radzikowska, who has a DUPR of 5.55, and her doubles partner Carson CJ Klinger.
The SoCal Hard Eights team was formed in early 2022 by Timothy Parks, Rick Chan, Greg Cunningham, Kevin Huang, and Jerry Ing. These team members had connections through living in New York City and working in financial markets. After the success of the Austin MLP in 2021, Ritchie Tuazon approached the group with the idea of MLP’s expansion phase, which sparked their imaginations. The team quickly gained popularity beyond expectations.
Overall, SoCal Hard Eights is a competitive pickleball team from Southern California that has gained popularity in the MLP community.
Columbus Pickleball Club
The Columbus Pickleball Club is a pickleball club located in Columbus, Ohio. It is an active member of the pickleball community and is part of Team DUPR. The club has a Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR) of 24.84. The club’s player summary includes Johnson with a DUPR of 6.99 who plays doubles with Dupr, Meghan Dizon with a DUPR of 5.62 who also plays doubles with Dupr, and Maggie Brascia with a DUPR of 5.57.
The club was formed in 2022 by David Kass, a former pro tennis player, and Doug Ulman, who has relationships with original MLP members. They are excited about the MLP format and growing the league.
Las Vegas Night Owls
Las Vegas Night Owls is a pickleball team located in Las Vegas. They are part of the Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating system and have a rating of 23.73. The team consists of players such as Susannah Barr, Emily Ackerman, Spencer Smith, and Yates Johnson, who have ratings ranging from 5.53 to 6.29 in Doubles Dupr.
The team was formed in 2022 by owners Tom Brady, Kim Clijsters, Knighthead Capital, Kaitlyn Kerr, and Callie Simpkins. These owners bring professionalism and experience from professional sports and business. The Night Owls aim to shape the future of the sport with Major League Pickleball. They also offer team gear for fans to purchase.
Frisco Pandas
The Frisco Pandas are a pickleball team formed in 2023 by the popular YouTube group Dude Perfect. They are part of the Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR) system and are based in Frisco, Texas. The team consists of players Andre, Mick, Bobbi Oshiro, Martina Frantova, and Ryler DeHeart. The Frisco Pandas are known for their passion for competitive sports and the fun of playing pickleball.
They are excited to have Dude Perfect’s fans join them and are considered the premier sports franchise in Frisco. Additionally, fans can shop for team gear on their website.
New York Hustlers
The New York Hustlers are a pickleball team located in New York. They are known as the DUPR team and have a Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR) of 23.45. The team consists of players like Jaume Martinez Vich, Jill Braverman, Kyle Yates, and Sarah Ansboury, each with their respective ratings in Doubles DUPR.
The New York Hustlers have participated in various pickleball tournaments, including the MLP 2023 Mesa Premier Finals and the MLP Daytona Beach 2023 Premier Quarter-Finals.
ATX Pickleballers
The Austin Pickleballers is a highly competitive team based in Austin, known for their strong presence in the pickleball community. They are part of the Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR) system and have an average rating of 23.58. The team consists of key players such as Tamaryn Emmrich, Daniel De La Rosa, Milan Rane, and Ben Newell, who have impressive ratings and play doubles with Dupr.
