U.S. Legends Pro Pickleball League 35+ Division Launches With Star Power and Statement Wins
The growth of competitive pickleball shows no sign of slowing, and the latest chapter in the sport’s evolution kicked off in late February. U.S. Legends Pro Pickleball League (USLPL) has officially launched its 35+ age group league, offering mid-age professional players a new, team-based competitive platform. The division takes its place alongside the League’s 50+ league, building an “ecosystem” for competing at the highest levels well into adulthood.
A Natural Progression: Expanding the Legends League
Since its inception, USLPL has positioned itself as one of the most forward-looking organisations in the world of pro pickleball. After debuting the 50+ Senior Pro League in the fall of 2025 – garnering excitement from fans and participants alike with 12 competitive teams and marquee talent – the league’s leadership moved swiftly to expand opportunities for athletes in younger age brackets.
The new 35+ league, aimed at players ages 35 to 49, represents both a response to soaring interest in professional pickleball and a recognition of the unique needs of this competitive cohort – players who have passed the early stages of open competition but also want to pursue next-level team play.
Showdown Weekend #1: Two Days of Competitive Firepower
February 21 and 22 marked the inaugural showdown for the USLPL 35+ league, drawing players and fans together for a high-intensity competition at Dill Dinkers in Chantilly, Virginia. This first event brought together all six teams in the new league for a weekend packed with intense matches, spirited rivalries, and a celebration of athletic excellence among mid-age pros.
Featuring six teams of 14 players each – with seven men and seven women per roster – the league’s structure ensures gender equity while showcasing top-tier talent from across the competitive pickleball landscape. The format promotes team depth, chemistry, and engaging play that resonates with dedicated fans, which included family members, including young kids.
Videos and social media posts from the event captured the energy on and off the courts, showing grinding rallies, tactical intensity, and the excitement of players competing for team wins. Most compelling, players shared the joy the felt competing with and against friends and meeting new people from across the U.S. in their age bracket.
Meet the Teams: Community and Competition Intersect
The six USLPL 35+ squads bring serious skills, competitive experience, and local fan followings. Players range from touring pros including Jhonnatan Medina Alvarez (part-owner of Austin’s Bat City Bangers) and Jonny Pickleball (Philadelphia Independence) to seasoned competitors on the APP, PPA, and other pickleball circuits, representing a deep pool of talent that elevates the competitive standard of the league.
The team format also fosters cross-regional rivalries that are likely to grow throughout the season. Fans will soon become familiar with each franchise’s identity, style, and standout athletes as the league’s showdown weekends unfold.
Bat City Bangers – Texas
Chattanooga Iron Paddles – Tennessee
Hagerstown Hit Squad – Maryland
Philadelphia Independence – Pennsylvania
Rochester Renegades – New York
Treasure Coast Titans – Florida
Beyond One Weekend: Season #1
According to the league’s event calendar, the USLPL 35+ season will extend through three showdown weekends, offering opportunities for teams to battle for positioning and ultimately compete for a championship. Future scheduled stops include Hatboro, Pennsylvania in March, with the league’s championship weekend set for Robbinsville, New Jersey in May.
This structured schedule gives players and fans a clear narrative arc to follow throughout the season, adding layers of strategy, momentum swings, and anticipation that keep audiences engaged. It also allows communities across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions to become part of the league’s story by hosting events and building local fanbases around their teams.
Leadership and Vision Behind the League
The creation and growth of the 35+ division reflects a vision of sustainability and inclusivity within the sport. USLPL’s leadership includes seasoned players Heidi Sung and Waymon Peet, organisers who understand both the competitive demands of pickleball and the infrastructure needed to support it effectively.
The operational leadership of the new division include seasoned tournament directors and USA Pickleball referees who support organised, fair play. The focus on participants’ experiences – both on and off the court – underscores the organisation’s commitment to establishing a league that players genuinely want to be part of.
Context: The Success of the 50+ League
The launch of the 35+ league comes on the heels of the 50+ Senior Pro League’s successful inaugural season in fall 2025. That division quickly gained momentum, bringing together 12 teams and establishing a robust competition model that culminated in multiple showdown events and a growing fan following. Four 50+ teams will be added to the senior pro league in season 2.
Looking ahead, the USLPL’s family of leagues promises to continue growing. Plans are already underway for additional age divisions, including a 60+ league launch later in 2026. By aligning league events with established competitive standards—such as adopting the DUPR rating system for official match results—the league ensures that players’ performances carry meaningful weight across the broader pickleball community. This integration underscores the USLPL’s commitment to competitive legitimacy and long-term player development.
A Win for Players, Fans, and the Sport
The launch of the USLPL 35+ league and its first event is more than a new chapter – it’s an affirmation of pickleball’s explosive growth and enduring appeal. For mid-age players, it offers a stage where experience meets athletic ambition. For fans, it brings community, excitement, and the thrill of live competition. And for the sport at large, it signals a maturation of professional infrastructure capable of supporting diverse age groups and competitive aspirations.
From the charged atmosphere of the first showdown in Chantilly to the promise of championship battles on the horizon, the proud heritage of pickleball continues to expand, and legends are rising at every age.
Download the full March 2026 issue of World Pickleball Magazine for more tour coverage, league insights, and global growth stories.
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.