NPL Unveils Star-Studded Rosters for 2025 Season
What's the Score?
The National Pickleball League (NPL), the premier professional pickleball league for players in the Champions Division (age 50+), has officially announced the team rosters for its highly anticipated 2025 season. Following the completion of the NPL Draft, 12 teams have finalized their lineups, each comprising at least 14 players, with a near-equal split between women and men, bringing together over 200 elite Champions Pros.
Hit it deeper!
The 2025 NPL season promises to showcase some of the most accomplished and recognizable names in senior professional pickleball. The announced rosters feature an impressive array of talent, including Pickleball Hall of Famers Jennifer Dawson and Scott Moore, adding a touch of legacy and experience to the league. The league also welcomes former top tennis professionals such as Jaime Oncins and Piet Aldrich, highlighting the cross-sport appeal and competitive spirit within the NPL. Adding a unique dimension, Heisman Trophy winner and former NFL quarterback Danny Wuerffel will also be competing, demonstrating the diverse athletic backgrounds of NPL players. Furthermore, the league's own co-founders, Beth Bellamy and Rick Witsken, both top-ranked players, will be actively participating.
The 12 teams in the NPL represent a wide geographic spread across the United States. A notable addition to the 2025 season schedule is the introduction of regular-season event weekends that will be held in two different NPL markets simultaneously. The season is set to kick off on May 16–18 with matches taking place in Columbus, Ohio, and Los Angeles, California. Subsequent event weekends will be hosted in Boca Raton, Florida, and Denver, Colorado (June); Kansas City, Missouri, and Houston, Texas (July); Austin, Texas (August); and Indianapolis, Indiana, and Princeton, New Jersey (September). The culmination of the season will be in Seattle, Washington, in October, where the 2025 NPL Champions will be crowned.
Founded in 2022 by Champions Pro players Rick Witsken, Beth Bellamy, and Michael Chen, the National Pickleball League is committed to expanding the reach of pickleball, fostering community engagement, promoting physical and mental health, and elevating the sport to new heights within the 50+ demographic.
The World Pickleball Verdict
The unveiling of the star-studded team rosters for the 2025 NPL season underscores the continued growth and increasing competitiveness of professional pickleball for athletes in the Champions Division. The blend of established pickleball legends, accomplished athletes from other sports, and dedicated league co-founders creates a compelling and entertaining league to watch. The strategic expansion of the season schedule to include simultaneous events in multiple markets signifies a commitment to reaching a broader audience and further solidifying the NPL's national presence. As the NPL enters its third season, its focus on community engagement and promoting active lifestyles for the 50+ demographic positions it as a vital and inspiring component of the overall pickleball ecosystem.