• Loading stock data...
Monday, June 23, 2025

MLP-VIBE Merger Creates Future of Pro Pickleball

  • LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Tom Brady, and Kim Clijsters will remain owners.
  • The league will use the ‘Major League Pickleball’ name.
Joseph Scheller-The Columbus Dispatch

The pickleball war is over before it ever really began.

Major League Pickleball and the Professional Pickleball Association Tour’s VIBE Pickleball League will merge to form one global, co-ed, team-based league, MLP’s Steve Kuhn and PPA’s Tom Dundon announced in a joint statement.

“Coming together as one team league allows us to build much bigger events, offer more prize money, enhance player development, pursue larger media and sponsorship deals,” the league announced.

The combined league will continue using the Major League Pickleball name and format. It also plans to boast the top players in the world and maintain the high-profile team owners it has accumulated in recent months.

  • LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and the duo of Tom Brady and Kim Clijsters were all confirmed by MLP.
  • Anheuser-Busch — which purchased an MLP team Tuesday — is staying on.
  • Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban was the first of six VIBE owners announced on Nov. 3.

A league source would not confirm the number of teams or schedule format to Front Office Sports.

Pickleball Planet

The strategic merger now makes Major League Pickleball and the Professional Pickleball Association partners and leaves the Association of Pickleball Professionals Tour as the only other major pro circuit. The latter promotion focuses more on individuals than teams.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Thunder Win NBA Finals Behind Young, Deep, and Cheap Roster

The Thunder’s young and cheap roster won its first title Sunday.

WNBA Players Drop Fresh Statement in CBA Fight: ‘We Want a Fair..

The WNBA All-Star Game is less than four weeks away.

Kevin Durant Traded to Houston in Blockbuster Deal

Houston was one of Durant’s preferred destinations.
Mar 15, 2025; Fort Worth, TX, USA; UAB Blazers forward Yaxel Lendeborg (3) dribbles the ball upcourt against the North Texas Mean Green during the first half at Dickies Arena

NIL Is Shrinking the Pool of NBA Draft Entrants

Agents are now advising many players to stay in school.

Featured Today

Apr 24, 2025; Green Bay, WI, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Abdul Carter on the red carpet before the 2025 NFL Draft at Lambeau Field

‘More Is More’: The Elite Luxury Jewelers Decking Out Athletes

Meet the elite group of luxury designers crafting the biggest statement pieces.
Dec 5, 2024; Miami, FL, USA; FIFA president Gianni Infantino presents the FIFA Club World Cup trophy during the Club Word Cup draw at Telemundo Studios.
June 15, 2025

Revamped Club World Cup Is FIFA’s Billion-Dollar Gamble

The revamped soccer event debuts amid controversy.
Jun 10, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino stands during the anthem against the Switzerland during the first at Geodis Park
June 14, 2025

Gold Cup Is Complicated for USMNT—but U.S. Soccer Has Its Eyes on..

Uncertain tournament success isn’t fazing forward-looking U.S. soccer.
Jan 24, 2017; Davidson, NC, USA; The Davidson Wildcats student section cheers during the first half against the Duquesne Dukes at McKillop Court at John M. Belk Arena. Davidson defeated Duquesne 74-60.
June 6, 2025

Every College Wants a Flashy Basketball GM Hire Right Now

The role is more important than ever, and the definition is ever-evolving.

NBA Conference Gap Wider Than Ever Amid Injuries to East’s Best

A team from the West has won the title 17 times in that span.
June 19, 2025

Fire Rekindled? WNBA’s Portland Expansion Team Eyes Original Name

WNBA trademarks hint at Portland Fire revival as league expands and honors history.
June 20, 2025

Pac-12 Still Playing Conference Tetris As Realignment Heats Up

Sacramento State is leaving the Big Sky for the Big West.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Ted Leonsis unpacks basketball’s global rise, media rights, and portfolio ownership.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) celebrates after scoring a 3-pointer Tuesday, June 17, 2025, during a game between the Indiana Fever and the Connecticut Sun at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the Connecticut Sun, 88-71.
June 18, 2025

Caitlin Clark ‘Celebrates’ Chance at $500K Commissioner’s Cup Prize

The winning team shares a $500,000 prize pool.
June 18, 2025

Dana White’s Next Frontier: Making Jiu-Jitsu Mainstream

The TKO Group Holdings–owned competition expands once again.
Club World Cup
June 18, 2025

Club World Cup Attendance Plummets for Weekday Games: 3,700 in Orlando, ‘Almost..

Chelsea’s manager bemoaned an “almost empty” stadium in Atlanta.
June 18, 2025

Premier League Embraces NFL-Style Flex Scheduling for 2025–26

The league warns of additional games “moving at relatively short notice.”