Key takeaways:

• Pickleball has transformed from a casual game to a professional sport, with organized teams and leagues such as Major League Pickleball (MLP) and the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour.

• Professional pickleball teams combine seasoned veterans and rising stars, with their players undergoing rigorous training routines that blend on-court practice and off-court conditioning to stay at the top of their game.

• Top-tier equipment, including specialized paddles, footwear, and apparel, is essential for professional athletes to deliver peak performances and enhance their comfort and agility on the court.

Professional pickleball teams compete at the highest level, bringing together elite players in structured leagues and tournaments. These teams showcase exceptional skill, strategy, and teamwork in fast-paced matches that captivate audiences. Major League Pickleball (MLP) is a prime example, featuring 24 teams battling for substantial prize money and national recognition.

With thousands of dedicated courts across the U.S. and growing investments from sponsors and sports organizations, professional pickleball continues to expand. Teams compete in high-stakes events, refine their techniques through rigorous training, and push the sport’s boundaries with cutting-edge strategies and equipment.

But what does it take to make it to the pros? Let’s dive into the world of professional pickleball teams and uncover how these elite players rise to the top.

What defines a professional pickleball team?

Professional pickleball teams represent the pinnacle of skill and competition in our beloved sport. These elite squads participate in thrilling leagues and tournaments, such as the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour and Major League Pickleball (MLP). Top-tier pickleball teams often blend the wisdom of seasoned veterans with the energy of rising stars, creating dynamic rosters that captivate fans and inspire players at all levels.

How do players qualify for professional pickleball teams?

Aspiring professional pickleball players can qualify through various pathways:

• Tournament performance and rankings: Success in sanctioned tournaments contributes to a player's ranking points, which are crucial for qualification into higher-level events. For instance, the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour awards points based on tournament performance, influencing player standings and eligibility for major competitions.

• Draft and selection processes: In leagues like MLP, teams are formed through innovative drafting systems. Team owners select players based on performance, potential, and strategic fit. The 2025 MLP season, for example, involves a dynamic bidding process where teams bid for picks to assemble their rosters.

What are the main leagues and tournaments for professional pickleball teams?

In 2025, professional pickleball continues its rapid expansion, featuring several prominent leagues and tournaments that showcase top-tier talent and competitive play.

Major Leagues

• Major League Pickleball (MLP): MLP has expanded to 22 teams divided into two levels: the Premier Level with 16 teams and the Challenger Level with 6 teams. The 2025 season includes 10 regular-season events, a Mid-Season Tournament in July, and a two-week playoff series from April to August. All regular-season events are hosted in MLP team cities, enhancing local fan engagement.

• Association of Pickleball Players (APP): The APP continues to offer a platform where both amateur and professional players compete. The 2025 APP Tour features numerous tournaments across various locations, providing substantial prize money and ranking points.

• Professional Pickleball Association (PPA): The PPA Tour remains a significant circuit for professional players, with a series of tournaments scheduled throughout 2025. These events attract top talent and offer considerable prize pools.

Notable Tournaments

• USA Pickleball National Championships: Organized by USA Pickleball, this championship is one of the largest pickleball tournaments globally. While the 2024 event concluded in November in Mesa, Arizona, dates for the 2025 championships are yet to be announced.

• Minto US Open Pickleball Championships: Scheduled for 2025, this event features a comprehensive schedule of competitions, including the introduction of a Junior Championship during the opening weekend.

• World Pickleball Cup: Initiated in 2024, this international tournament series brings together national teams to promote the sport globally. The inaugural Regional Americas Cup is set for December 2025 in Cancun, Mexico, serving as a qualifier for the World Pickleball Cup Finals in 2026.

How does the structure of professional pickleball leagues promote growth in the sport?

Professional pickleball leagues are designed to nurture talent and passion at every level of play. The PPA Tour, for example, embraces both professional and amateur divisions, creating opportunities for players of all skill levels to compete and improve. This inclusive approach, coupled with pickleball's soaring popularity, has led to an impressive addition of over 18,000 new courts across the USA in 2024, bringing the total to nearly 70,000. This expansion opens doors for more players to train, compete, and potentially step onto the pro stage, fostering a vibrant and growing pickleball community.

How do professional pickleball teams train?

What does a typical training routine look like for pro pickleball athletes?

Elite pickleballers immerse themselves in structured routines that blend on-court practice with off-court conditioning. These routines often include skill drills, match simulations, and targeted exercises to boost agility, speed, and endurance. Consistency is the name of the game, with most pros dedicating several hours daily to perfect their technique and strategy.

How do top players integrate fitness and conditioning into their training?

Fitness is a cornerstone of a pro athlete's regimen. Strength training 2-3 times a week complements regular on-court sessions, focusing on exercises that build functional strength and flexibility. This approach not only enhances performance but also helps prevent injuries, vital for the demanding nature of high-level play.

What strategies do pro pickleball teams use to improve their game?

Elite teams often employ advanced drills like the 7-11 drill to sharpen shot accuracy and decision-making. They also focus on mastering various shots, from powerful serves to precise dinks, while developing mental toughness through situational practice and match analysis. These strategies help create well-rounded players ready to tackle any challenge on the court.

How often do top-tier pickleball players train?

Pro athletes typically hit the courts 5-6 days a week, with sessions lasting 3-4 hours daily. This intensive schedule keeps them at the top of their game and allows for continuous skill improvement. Rest and recovery are also key parts of their routines, ensuring they stay fresh and ready to give their all in every match. Remember, with dedication and the right gear, you too can train like a pro and take your pickleball game to new heights!

What gear do professional pickleball players use?

Pro players count on quality equipment to shine on the court. Let's take a look at the gear that helps them play their best game.

What type of paddle do professionals prefer?

Many pros reach for graphite paddles, known for being light and offering great control. These paddles help experienced players make precise shots with ease. Our guide on selecting professional pickleball paddles can point you towards the perfect paddle for your style.

How does proper footwear affect a professional's game?

The right shoes can make all the difference on the court. Pros look for footwear that keeps them quick on their feet and steady during intense rallies. Our PB5 Court2 shoes, available for men and women, come with Dynamic Stability Assist™ technology. They're designed to be light and grippy, perfect for those fast moves and sharp turns that define the game.

What type of clothing do professional pickleball players wear?

When it comes to clothes, pros go for fabrics that breathe and wick away sweat, allowing them to move freely. Check out our men's pickleball attire – we've designed it with these features in mind, so players can keep their cool during heated matches.

How does high-quality gear enhance a professional's performance?

Great gear lets players focus on their game, not their equipment. When pros use paddles, shoes, and clothes made specifically for pickleball, they can put all their energy into strategy and execution. By choosing quality gear like our performance-driven apparel and accessories, players at every level can feel more comfortable and capable on the court.

Who are the top professional pickleball teams?

In 2025, Major League Pickleball (MLP) features 22 co-ed teams divided into two levels:

• Premier level: 16 teams showcasing the top 64 players globally.

• Challenger level: 6 teams highlighting the next 24 rising stars.

Each team competes in five regular-season events, totaling 25 matches, with all teams participating in a Mid-Season Tournament in July.

While team performance varies throughout the season, several teams have consistently demonstrated exceptional skill and competitiveness:

• Los Angeles Mad Drops: Known for their balanced roster and strategic gameplay, the Mad Drops have been strong contenders in the Premier Level.

• Dallas Flash Pickleball: With a championship win in 2024, the Dallas Flash continue to showcase top-tier performance.

• New York Hustlers: Renowned for their dynamic play and resilience, the Hustlers remain a formidable force in the league.

For the most current standings and detailed team performance, refer to the MLP League Standings.

How do elite pickleball teams set themselves apart?

Top-tier pickleball teams distinguish themselves through a combination of individual excellence and cohesive teamwork. Key attributes include:

• Versatility: A blend of singles and doubles specialists allows teams to adapt effectively to various match formats.

• Strategic acumen: Proficient shot selection and court positioning enable teams to anticipate opponents' moves and adjust strategies dynamically.

• Composure under pressure: Maintaining focus during critical points and high-pressure situations is a hallmark of elite teams.

For instance, Our team in PB5star, featuring players like Hannah Blatt and Grayson Goldin, exemplifies this blend of skill and synergy. Hannah's transition from professional squash to pickleball showcases her adaptability and competitive spirit, while Grayson's rapid ascent in the sport highlights his dedication and strategic mindset.

What achievements have put professional pickleball teams on the map?

In the world of professional pickleball, it's often the jaw-dropping individual performances within team events that get fans talking. Take Anna Leigh Waters, for instance. She dominated the PPA categories in 2024, cementing her status as a pickleball phenom. The teams that keep fans on their feet and regularly claim top spots in MLP events are the ones making history in our sport.

How has the pickleball boom influenced team competition?

The explosion of pickleball has turned up the heat on professional team events. In 2024, a whopping 320,000 fans packed PPA Tour and MLP events, a 40% jump from the previous year. This surge has drawn a new wave of athletic talent to the sport, raising the bar for play and making team face-offs more electrifying than ever. The evolution of pickleball from backyard fun to pro-level excitement has caught the eye of both investors and fans, fueling the sport's incredible growth.

Unleash your full potential with PB5star

Professional pickleball players know that elite performance starts with the right gear. At PB5star, we’re committed to helping players of all levels experience that same excellence. Whether you're training for the pro circuit or playing for the love of the game, our high-performance gear is designed to enhance your comfort, support your movement, and help you dominate the court.

Our athletic wear is specifically crafted for pickleball, allowing you to move freely and confidently during intense rallies. The PB5 Court2 shoes, featuring Dynamic Stability Assist™ technology, provide superior stability and agility for quick lateral moves—so you can react faster and play harder. Learn more about the Court2 shoes.

Feel incredible, play at your best, and take your game to the next level. Explore our full range of pickleball gear and join a community of passionate players pushing the limits of performance.