Dallas Flash Add Ex-Soccer Pro Ivan Jakovljevic to MLP Roster
What's the Score?
On Tuesday, May 14, 2025, the undefeated Dallas Flash made a notable roster change at the close of Major League Pickleball's (MLP) Waiver Period #1. The team added Ivan Jakovljevic, a player with a background as a former professional soccer player, signalling a strategic move to potentially further strengthen their lineup. This addition came at the expense of releasing Wyatt Stone.
Hit it deeper!
Major League Pickleball teams are actively seeking to enhance their rosters early in the 2025 season, as evidenced by the moves made at the conclusion of Waiver Period #1 on Tuesday, May 14, 2025. The Dallas Flash, who boast a perfect 4-0 record and lead the league with 12 points, decided to part ways with Wyatt Stone to bring in Ivan Jakovljevic.
Jakovljevic's journey to the Dallas Flash has been dynamic. He was initially with the SoCal Hard Eights but was traded to the Columbus Sliders as part of their claim for Roscoe Bellamy. Shortly after, Columbus released Jakovljevic to acquire Ross Whittaker. Now, he lands on the roster of the 2024 Premier level champions, the Dallas Flash.
A key aspect of Ivan Jakovljevic's profile is his background in professional sports, having previously played professional soccer. This brings a different type of athletic experience to the pickleball court, which teams may value for agility, court coverage, and competitive mindset. Joining the Dallas Flash means Jakovljevic is now part of one of the league's top-performing teams.
The decision by the Dallas Flash to add Jakovljevic suggests a focus on leveraging athletic versatility and potentially adding a new dynamic to their already successful team composition. Even with an undefeated record, teams in MLP are serious about continuous improvement and are willing to make changes to maintain or enhance their competitive edge. The end of Waiver Period #1 provided teams like the Flash an opportunity to assess their performance and make strategic adjustments based on player availability.
This roster move, involving a player with a unique athletic background joining a leading team, underscores the evolving nature of professional pickleball and the different types of talent being sought after in leagues like MLP.
The World Pickleball Verdict
The Dallas Flash's recruitment of Ivan Jakovljevic, a former professional soccer player, is a "bold roster move" that speaks to the strategic depth teams are exploring in Major League Pickleball. For a team that is already undefeated and the reigning champions, adding a player with a diverse athletic background suggests they are looking beyond traditional pickleball expertise to gain a competitive advantage. This move reflects a broader trend in professional pickleball where athletes from other sports are successfully transitioning to the sport, bringing high-level athleticism and competitive experience. Jakovljevic's quick movement between teams further highlights the fluidity and active management within MLP rosters during waiver periods. By adding him, the Flash are not resting on their early success but are proactively seeking ways to remain at the pinnacle of the league, reinforcing the highly competitive environment of MLP.