Top Pickleball Leagues MLP & PPA Get Out of a Pickle with Finalized Merger
In a move that needed to happen after all the drama in the Pickleball world, MLP by Margaritaville (MLP) and Carvana PPA Tour (PPA Tour) have officially merged under a unified professional pickleball holding company. This merger, backed by a substantial $50 million investment from a consortium of prominent stakeholders, is set to reshape the landscape of competitive pickleball for players, fans, and sponsors alike.
The fusion of these two pickleball giants will not only streamline the scheduling of events but also consolidate the administration of two still-distinct brands. This visionary merger aims to create a powerful synergy between MLP and the PPA Tour, ensuring equal support and promotion for both entities. As a result, players and sponsors can look forward to a future in professional pickleball that brims with confidence and opportunity.
The PPA Tour, known for its traditional bracket-style format, has long been the stage where the world's best pickleball players battle it out for supremacy. It's a showcase of individual excellence and a testament to the unique journeys that athletes embark on to reach the pinnacle of their sport.
In contrast, MLP has gained fame for its innovative team-based, coed league format that guarantees thrilling, fan-centric experiences throughout the regular season and championships.
The merger will not only preserve the distinct characteristics of both formats but also create a harmonious coexistence, ensuring that the fans of each style have plenty to cheer for.
Major League Pickleball Founder, Steve Kuhn, expressed his enthusiasm for the merger, saying,
"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. This merger will expand and improve opportunities for current and future players, creating a united experience and a better future playing professional pickleball."
PPA Tour owner, Tom Dundon, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the immense potential of the merger.
"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. 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."
With this merger, professional pickleball fans worldwide will have the privilege of witnessing both exciting formats and the sport's best players competing under a single competitive umbrella. The unified organization will boast an impressive roster of over 150 leading professional pickleball players and a packed calendar featuring a mix of team and individual events throughout the year.
The newly formed parent company's board of directors is a star-studded assembly of business leaders, top-tier investors, and professional athletes. Notable names on the board include Jason Stein from SC Holdings, D.C. Pickleball Team owner Al Tylis, PPA Tour owner Tom Dundon, MLP founder Steve Kuhn, and former Goldman Sachs Partner Brian Levine.
In a sport that's growing at an unprecedented pace, this merger is set to provide fans with an even more thrilling experience and offer players a brighter future in professional pickleball. With unified support, streamlined competition, and expanded opportunities, the future of this beloved sport is looking exceptionally promising.