BY CHRIS BEAUMONT, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
A New Era of Strategy
The 2026 Canadian National Pickleball League (CNPL) Draft wasn’t just about picking the best available athlete; it was about solving a puzzle. With a new rule change allowing mid-match substitutions, teams moved away from rigid starting lineups toward flexible, six-player units designed for specific matchups.
As commentators Andrew Gorman and Victor Chan noted during the broadcast, franchises are now building for a “win by committee” style of play. This shift turned the draft into a tactical masterclass, with General Managers hunting for specialists in singles and mixed doubles to exploit the new substitution mechanics.
The International Influx and the Number One Pick
The draft kicked off with a historic moment for the Grand River Rapids. With the first overall pick, the franchise selected Bruno Faletto, a Chilean tennis convert based in Long Island, New York. Faletto, the number one player in Chile and a PPA Challenger Series winner, represents the growing international flavour of the Canadian league.
Faletto joins a Rapids squad that prioritised consistency and experience, adding Lucas Wong and Antoaneta Toskova to form a roster capable of competing on both the left and right sides of the court.
The “Arms Race” for Female Talent
Perhaps the defining trend of the 2026 draft was the aggressive run on elite female players. Toronto United made the biggest splash of the early rounds, trading up from the 10th spot to the 3rd overall pick to secure Maria Klokotzky. Pairing Klokotzky with Jada Bui, Toronto United has arguably assembled the most dominant female duo in the league on paper.
Not to be outdone, the Vancouver Owls executed a strategy of overwhelming depth. By drafting Kelsey Grambeau to join Kim Layton and Anna Dyachenko, the Owls constructed a “three-headed dragon” on the women’s side. This trio allows the Owls to rotate players freely without losing a step, a luxury that could prove decisive in gruelling tournament weekends.
Blockbuster Trades and Power Pairings
The draft floor saw significant movement as teams jockeyed for position. In a notable exchange, the Northern Lights traded their fifth overall pick to the London Smash in exchange for star player Jessica Kawamoto.
This trade allowed the London Smash to draft Mark Cleminson, uniting him with Ryan Torresin. The move creates a formidable male powerhouse duo, with Cleminson’s right-side dominance complementing Torresin’s left-side power. Meanwhile, the Northern Lights, led by GM Michael Chow, utilised their later picks to steal Ben Davis at the 13th spot—a selection that surprised pundits given Davis’s high-level capability.
Youth Movements and “Steal” Picks
While veterans commanded the early rounds, youth and potential defined the later selections. The York Yeti focused on chemistry and long-term upside, drafting Jacob Pearce, a left-handed NCAA tennis player who picked up a paddle only seven months ago.
The Vancouver Owls also bet on the future by selecting teenage phenom Mackonner Dy. At just 15/16 years old, Dy recently won the singles title at Nationals. His existing chemistry with teammate Armaan Jiwa-Mawji makes the Owls a dangerous threat in men’s doubles.
A Dynasty Defence and Broadcast Expansion
The back-to-back champion Montreal Lions stuck to a strategy of balancing star power with functional depth. Anchored by Ernesto Fajardo and Christina Chin, the Lions added Ariana Rodriguez and Michael McCaffrey. McCaffrey, known for his high “pickleball IQ” and coaching ability, reinforces a squad aiming for a “three-peat” dynasty.
Fans will have ample opportunity to watch these new rosters in action. The CNPL announced a multi-year extension with Game+, ensuring exclusive coverage of the league. Season 4 coverage begins in May 2026, featuring live broadcasts of court one and comprehensive streaming of all matches on YouTube.
With deep rosters, international talent, and a new strategic landscape, the 2026 CNPL season promises to be the most competitive yet. As one commentator summed up the depth of the field: “I really don’t see a team making an insanely bad pick here… all these players are insanely good”.
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Chris Beaumont is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of World Pickleball Magazine. Chris follows the global game closely, reporting on the latest news, developments, stories and tournaments from all five continents. He also hosts the World Pickleball Podcast, interviewing people at all levels of pickleball. Chris is also an avid player, currently struggling to make the breakthrough from 4.0 to 4.5.