MLP Orlando, drop serve controversy, PPA New Zealand Cup and podcast
Good morning, pickleballers!
That's another week in the rear view mirror and I would imagine you're itching to get out on court today.
Before you go and hit a ball, grab a coffee and have a read of all the pickleball news from the last 48 hours - yes, we missed a report yesterday as I had an early session myself!
All the latest global pickleball news is below but we also have the latest World Pickleball Podcast, recorded on Thursday.
In this week's episode, find out why we end up talking about Jeremy Clarkson and Dame Edna Everage in a pickleball podcast. We also talk about the Expo Bridge tournament in China, MLP and PPA Australia which is currently taking place in New Zealand and pickleball in Brazil.
You can find the World Pickleball Podcast on Apple, Spotify and Deezer or you can get your fix immediately below.
Here's today's World Pickleball Report.
MLP Orlando Kickoff: Teams Battle, DreamBreakers Decide Early Wins
Orlando, USA – The 2025 Major League Pickleball (MLP) season burst into action at MLP Orlando, held at the USTA National Campus. The opening days have been marked by intense team competition and dramatic finishes, including multiple ties settled by the crucial DreamBreaker format.
Early results saw the New Jersey 5s claim a 3-1 victory over the Columbus Sliders before winning a DreamBreaker against the Brooklyn Pickleball Team. The Texas Ranchers also secured a 3-1 win, defeating the Brooklyn Pickleball Team, highlighted by strong play from Eric Oncins in men's doubles. Newly promoted teams quickly made their presence felt, with the Miami Pickleball Club winning two matches via DreamBreakers, besting the SoCal Hard Eights and the Utah Black Diamonds, with key performances from Noe Khlif and Jay Devilliers.
Defending Premier champions, the Dallas Flash, began their season dominantly with a 3-1 win over the Columbus Sliders, including an emphatic 11-0 mixed doubles victory by Tyra Black and Jorja Johnson. Other teams finding early success include the Columbus Sliders, who earned their first win against the Carolina Hogs, and the Orlando Squeeze, who defeated the SoCal Hard Eights. The competitive nature of the league is already on full display as teams vie for position early in the season.
MLP Drop Serve Rule Sparks Confusion: Did Officials Miss Calls in Orlando Tie?
Orlando, USA – A service controversy arose during the Major League Pickleball (MLP) season opener in Orlando on April 24. The dispute occurred during the tie between the Texas Ranchers and the Brooklyn Pickleball Team. According to the latest MLP rulebook, the "drop serve is not currently permitted". The rules specify that for a serve with an upward ball toss, the toss can travel upward, but only equal to one ball's height, and the paddle head must remain below the wrist during the upward swing. The ball release must be visible, no higher than the top of the shoulder, and the swing must be upward.
During the men's doubles match, Texas Ranchers players Eric Oncins and Christian Alshon were observed raising their striking arm above the permitted limit, with the ball release appearing much higher than allowed. Brooklyn's Riley Newman and Dekel Bar expressed their astonishment. Despite the apparent violations, the referee did not call a fault, adding to the confusion surrounding the implementation and enforcement of the serving rules. Service faults are at the referee's discretion and are not challengeable by teams.
Samin Odhwani Appointed MLP Commissioner to Lead League's Strategy and Growth
Orlando, USA – Samin Odhwani has been named the new commissioner of Major League Pickleball (MLP). The announcement comes as the MLP season kicks off in Orlando. In his new role, Odhwani is tasked with leading the league's business model and content distribution strategy. He will also report to the MLP board on matters of team governance and on-court competition.
Odhwani brings a wealth of experience, having previously worked at the NBA, served as VP of Strategy for Kevin Durant’s 35V and Boardroom, and was the General Manager of MLP's Brooklyn Aces. He will also continue in his position as the United Pickleball Association's (UPA) Chief Strategy Officer, reporting to UPA CEO Connor Pardoe. Odhwani's focus includes increasing awareness for MLP and its players, as well as negotiating media rights, with existing deals expiring after the 2025 season.
St. Louis Shock Announces Game-Changing Uniform Deal with MUEV for 2025 Season
St. Louis, USA – The St. Louis Shock of Major League Pickleball (MLP) has named MUEV as its Official Uniform Partner for the 2025 season. MUEV, described as a premium pickleball apparel brand, will provide high-performance uniforms for the Shock's players, staff, and ownership for all MLP competitions.
This partnership is highlighted as an alignment of vision and values, with MUEV's innovative design and performance features seen as enhancing player performance. MUEV apparel is specifically tailored to the demands of pickleball, focusing on comfort and functionality for dynamic court movements, utilising premium textiles with features like moisture-wicking fabrics. A key aspect of the collaboration involves Shock players working directly with MUEV's design team to develop future apparel lines based on professional feedback. Fans can anticipate seeing the new MUEV uniforms debuted at MLP Orlando and showcased at the MLP St. Louis event later in the season. This agreement adds to the Shock's growing list of premium brand collaborations.
St. Louis Shock Reveals Massive Minor League Roster: 110 Players, Ages 10 to 73
St. Louis, USA – The St. Louis Shock of Major League Pickleball (MLP) has finalised its Minor League Pickleball (MiLP) roster, featuring a massive 110 players. This diverse group includes players ranging in age from 10 to 73, making it one of the largest pickleball teams in the United States.
A signing ceremony was held on April 24th at Chicken N Pickle St. Charles to mark the milestone. The roster draws talent from nine different states, showcasing the program's broad reach. Andrew Haines, Chief Operating Officer for the Shock, stated that the program has "exceeded our most optimistic projections".
The MiLP team will wear Shock-branded uniforms and compete in tournaments nationwide, with their first event being the MiLP State Championship in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The program is designed to create a developmental pipeline connecting recreational players to professional ranks and will also include community outreach efforts.
PPA Tour New Zealand Cup: Thrilling Comebacks and Semifinal Victories Define Auckland Action
Auckland, New Zealand – The PPA Tour New Zealand Pickleball Cup, held in St. Johns, has featured intense competition and notable comebacks as players battled for spots in the finals. Action on April 24, 2025, saw several thrilling matches in the Pro Mixed Doubles Qualifier for players rated 5.0 and above.
Crystal Mildwaters and Chris Baum showcased resilience, achieving a comeback quarterfinal victory over Sarah Paea and Feiloakitohi Tavalea in three games (11-0, 10-12, 11-4) after dropping the second game. However, their run ended in the semifinals, where Isabelle Papazyan and Matthew Kouznetsov secured their spot in the final with a close straight-games win (12-10, 14-12) over Mildwaters and Baum.
In another dramatic semifinal, Ela Vakaukamea Jr. and Semisi Fanguna also mounted a comeback, triumphing over Michaela Winiata and Quinnton Pari-Collins in three games (8-11, 11-7, 11-9) to advance to the final. They had previously won their quarterfinal match in straight games. These hard-fought victories set the stage for compelling final matches in Auckland.
Malaysia Hosts Record-Breaking Pickleball Championship: 648 Players, 13 Nations, DUPR Powers Growth
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – The Alliance Bank KL Open Pickleball Championship 2025 commenced on April 25, marking the largest pickleball tournament in Malaysia's history. The event has attracted 648 players from 13 countries, showcasing the sport's significant growth in the nation. Powering the competitive structure is DUPR, whose rating system provides a vital framework for fair play and player development.
Malaysia is currently the second fastest-growing pickleball nation globally and ranks third for total DUPR users. Kuala Lumpur itself is the #2 fastest-growing DUPR city. The country boasts nearly 300 DUPR clubs and over 1,500 courts, supporting an estimated 200,000 active players. Tournament organiser Samuel Siew highlighted DUPR's role in helping players find their level and improve. The three-day championship also includes a Pickleball Summit, bringing together leaders to discuss the future of the sport. This event underscores Malaysia's commitment to fostering a vibrant pickleball community.
From Wales to Kuwait: Graduate Introduces Pickleball, Successfully Stages Nation's First Tournament
Kuwait City, Kuwait – Hani Haidar, a graduate who studied at Bangor University in Wales, has successfully introduced pickleball to his home country of Kuwait. After trying out various racquet sports during his postgraduate studies, Haidar discovered pickleball and quickly became dedicated to the game, learning the rules at North Wales Pickleball Club. As his graduation approached, he decided he couldn't live in Kuwait without pickleball and began acquiring the necessary qualifications to teach the sport.
Upon returning home, Haidar worked to build the Kuwaiti pickleball community, which is now growing with both adults and children participating. His efforts culminated in the nation's first pickleball tournament, which recently attracted more than 60 players. Haidar plans to hold more tournaments in the future, contributing to the sport's spread across the Gulf area.
70-Year-Old Silver Medalist Lou Campbell Set to Compete at US Open Pickleball
East Naples, USA – Lou Campbell, a 70-year-old silver medalist, is scheduled to compete in the upcoming US Open Pickleball Tournament at East Naples Community Park. Campbell, who secured a silver medal in singles at the event last year, will be participating in the 70-plus men's division. He is among more than 3,000 players invited for singles and doubles matches.
Describing himself as a dedicated player, Campbell took up pickleball three years ago and now trains four hours daily, six days a week, in preparation for the Open. He highlighted the sport's addictive nature, stating that regardless of skill level, playing "just feels good". The source also mentions he is a World War II veteran. While there is no official record for the oldest professional pickleball player, Campbell's competitive return underscores the sport's appeal and challenging nature for athletes of all ages.
Former NBA Agent Chris Patrick Takes Key Deputy Commissioner Role, "Leading the Charge" at PPA Tour
Orlando, USA – Chris Patrick, a former NBA agent recognised for his work with overlooked players, is now serving as the Deputy Commissioner for the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour. Patrick is described as "leading the charge" in professional pickleball after a career where he negotiated significant NBA contracts.
Patrick's journey into pickleball began in 2019, leading him to quickly embrace the sport and even become a pro player by late 2020. He utilised his agent expertise to become known as the sport's first dealmaker, assisting pickleball players with contract advice and securing sponsorships. He joined the PPA in 2022, taking on various roles, including General Counsel during merger discussions, which led him to cease his agent work.
In his current position, Patrick plays a crucial role in the PPA's growth and business development. He oversees player and agent negotiations and manages contracts for sponsorships and venues. His transition has been noted in sports circles, with NBA executives acknowledging his impact on pickleball's expansion. Patrick finds satisfaction in applying his skills in finding opportunities for athletes to growing the tour itself.
USA Pickleball Countersues JOOLA, Alleges "Bait-and-Switch" in Paddle Certification Dispute
New York, USA – USA Pickleball (USAP) has escalated its legal dispute with Sport Squad, Inc., the parent company of JOOLA, by filing a countersuit on April 18, 2025. This action is a response to JOOLA's initial $200 million lawsuit filed in June 2024, which followed USAP's de-listing of JOOLA's Gen 3 paddles.
In its countersuit, USAP alleges that JOOLA performed a "classic bait-and-switch". USAP claims that JOOLA intentionally submitted models of their Gen 3 paddle line for testing that were significantly different from the paddles subsequently sold to the public. These market versions allegedly contained substantially more foam, enhancing an "illegal trampoline effect".
USAP is seeking various damages, including compensatory and punitive damages, along with the disgorgement of JOOLA's profits from the Gen 3 line. This legal battle between the sport's governing body and a prominent equipment manufacturer has now been ongoing for around ten months.
Facolos EliteX Becomes First Vietnamese Paddle with Dual USAPA and UPA-A Professional Certification
Hanoi, Vietnam – The pickleball equipment market has a new entrant in the professional sphere as Facolos announced that its Facolos EliteX paddle has received dual international certifications. This achievement grants the paddle approval from both USAPA and UPA-A 2025, marking it as the first pickleball paddle from Vietnam to gain international recognition for professional play.
Facolos co-founder Jessica Vo shared the news, emphasising that the EliteX successfully navigated months of innovation, testing, and fine-tuning to meet stringent international standards. The paddle passed rigorous UPA-A 2025 testing protocols, including RPM, PEF, and artificial break-in simulations.
Crucially, the Facolos EliteX now meets all the technical standards necessary for use in major professional tournaments such as the PPA and MLP. This certification is described as permanent. Vo stated this milestone signifies the start of bringing Vietnamese-made professional pickleball gear to a global stage.