What’s the Score?
The United Pickleball Association (UPA) has secured one of the most promising talents in the game, signing Sofia Sewing to a contract that places her in the player pool for the 2026 Major League Pickleball (MLP) season. The deal ensures that Sewing, widely considered a top-10 calibre women’s singles talent, will be available for selection in the upcoming Free Agency Draft on February 27.
Hit it deeper!
Sewing’s contract is structured around a “transition” model, similar to the one signed by Will Howells in 2025. This arrangement allows her to compete in the MLP immediately in 2026 while continuing to fulfil her existing commitments on the APP Tour. She is then scheduled to transition to a full-time PPA Tour and MLP schedule starting in 2027. This hybrid flexibility was likely a key factor in securing her signature.
Her entry into the draft pool is a potential game-changer for MLP General Managers. Sewing is viewed as a “unicorn” player—one of the few female athletes capable of competing at an elite level across all three disciplines: singles, doubles, and mixed. In a league where roster spots are scarce and versatility is premium, a player who can dominate a singles DreamBreaker and hold her own in doubles is invaluable. Analysts and fans alike have noted her marketability and high ceiling, predicting she will be a high-priority target in the draft.
The World Pickleball Verdict
The “talent war” between tours continues, but the UPA’s willingness to offer flexible, transitional contracts is proving to be a winning strategy. By securing Sofia Sewing, the MLP has added a legitimate star who deepens the talent pool significantly. For Sewing, this is the perfect on-ramp to the big leagues—allowing her to finish her current obligations while stepping into the spotlight of the premier team competition. Expect her name to be called very early on February 27.