2025 MLP: The Big Questions HOPEFULLY Getting Answered This Week

Good evening, picklers.

Here’s what’s on the docket today:

• Pickle Talk: 2025 MLP: The Big Questions HOPEFULLY Getting Answered This Week

• Bite-sized: Federico Staksrud x adidas: Pickleball’s Power Duo

• Golden Pickle: DUPR Joins the 1M Club

PICKLE TALK

🏓 2025 MLP: The Big Questions HOPEFULLY Getting Answered This Week

The MLP owners, GMs, and league heavyweights are locking themselves in a room in Dallas to plan out 2025. By the end of the week, the blueprint for the season should be set. But what exactly are they debating, deciding, and finalizing?

Here’s a play-by-play of what’s happening, what’s on the table, and what it all means for the league.

🔍 What’s Officially Confirmed

Some rules and processes for 2025 are already in place. Here are the hard facts:

🧩 What’s Almost Decided

These are the details that seem to be shaping up, but we’re still waiting for final confirmation:

🤷‍♂️ What’s Still Up in the Air

The owners’ meeting will (hopefully) clear up these lingering questions:

1. Will rosters grow from 4 to 6 players?

Adding two spots per team would completely change draft strategies and team dynamics.

2. What’s the financial game plan?

Some teams are ready to splurge for a championship, while others want to play it safe and save resources for future seasons. Will the league put any limits on spending?

3. Are unsigned players allowed?

In 2024, teams could draft unsigned players for an additional fee. Rumor has it the league might ban this option in 2025.

4. What about the 2024 opt-outs?

A handful of UPA-signed players, including Julian Arnold and Lucy Kovalova, skipped MLP last season. If they decide to return, it could shake up roster plans for multiple teams.

🛠️ Why This Meeting Matters

The decisions made this week will set the tone for 2025 and beyond. From player retention rules to financial structures, every move impacts team strategies, player opportunities, and the league’s long-term growth.

🎉 Stay tuned! Once the meeting wraps up, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the new season.

BITE-SIZED PICKLES to watch out for this week 👀

1/ 🎾 Federico Staksrud x adidas: Pickleball’s Power Duo

Big news in pickleball: World #1 Federico Staksrud has partnered with adidas Pickleball in a multi-year deal. The highlight? His very own signature paddle, dropping April 2025 and designed for players at all levels.

🗣️ “This is more than a partnership; it’s a shared vision for the future of pickleball,” said Staksrud.

🔧 About the Paddle

• Cutting-edge design: Engineered for precision and performance.

• Inspired by greatness: Reflecting Staksrud’s dynamic playing style.

• All-level friendly: Built to elevate your game.

🌟 adidas Goes All-In

adidas is making a bold move into pickleball, with Staksrud leading the charge.

💬 “Federico represents what it means to be a champion,” said Bryan Ogle from adidas. “This partnership highlights our commitment to the sport and its athletes.”

🏓 Why It Matters

• For Staksrud: A chance to shape the future of pickleball equipment.

• For adidas: Cementing their place in pickleball’s rapid rise.

• For the sport: More innovation, bigger audiences, and a brighter spotlight.

Stay tuned for updates and don’t miss the paddle launch this April.

2/ 🎾 Andy Murray Isn’t a Fan of Pickleball—But His Mom Sure Is

Tennis legend Sir Andy Murray has made his stance on pickleball crystal clear: he’s not a fan.

Speaking to Pedestrian TV, the two-time Wimbledon champ didn’t hold back:

🗣️ “I know it’s really popular, particularly in the States, but it’s just not for me. I find the noise a bit annoying, and I think it’s quite an easy game.”

Murray even called pickleball a “cop out” for those who can’t play tennis. Ouch.

🚨 Awkward Family Dynamics?

What makes Andy’s pickleball slander interesting is his mom, Judy Murray, is one of the sport’s biggest advocates in Scotland.

Judy isn’t just a fan—she’s a certified pickleball coach and has been instrumental in growing the sport in the UK, where 35,000 people now play. She calls it:

💬 “Fun, inclusive, and the perfect introduction to racket sports.”

Oh, and let’s not forget: in 2023, Andy helped open Scotland’s first dedicated pickleball court at his own Cromlix Hotel, where lessons cost £100 an hour.

🎉 Celebs and Tennis Stars Flock to Pickleball

While Andy’s giving the sport the cold shoulder, pickleball’s popularity is surging. From Bill Gates to Leonardo DiCaprio, celebs are hitting the courts.

And former tennis pros like Jack Sock and Eugenie Bouchard? They’ve already switched to pickleball.

Murray’s Verdict

Andy admits pickleball is “fun” for socializing but doesn’t see it as a true sport. However, with players like his mom leading the charge, it seems pickleball isn’t going anywhere.

As for Judy? She thinks Andy and his brother, doubles star Jamie Murray, would enjoy it—if they gave it a chance.

Pickleball vs. tennis? This family might never agree. 🏓🎾

Let me know if you’d like further tweaks!

3/ 📖 Rules: UPA-A Drops the Hammer on Paddle Certification

Last year, UPA-A made a bold move, grabbing the reins on paddle regulation. 🚀 Yesterday, they unveiled their official rulebook for pro events, set to go live September 15, 2025.

This isn’t just talk—these rules mean business. Here’s what they’re doing to curb the paddle arms race:

• 🔢 Paddle Efficiency Factor (PEF): Maxed out at 0.385*

• 🎯 Spin Rate: Capped at a spicy 2,100 RPM

Why does this matter? The “paddle arms race” has been turning pickleball into a high-tech battle, with gear evolving faster than most players can keep up. By focusing on output-based regulation, UPA-A is setting some firm guardrails.

👉 What’s next? Now it’s time to see which paddles pass the sniff test. Manufacturers have their work cut out to meet these new standards.

*FYI: PEF measures how efficiently paddles transfer energy, a hot topic for pros trying to gain every edge.

🎾 The Bottom Line: Love it or hate it, UPA-A’s rules are about leveling the playing field. 

GOLDEN PICKLE: Your must-clicks of the week

Just a few crumbs before you go…😉

1. Duck, Quang! 🦆 Ben Johns wasn’t messing around. During his match against Quang Duong, he unleashed an absolute missile—a bodybag attempt that had the crowd gasping. 😲
   

   While Quang might need an ice pack for his ego, the message was clear: Ben Johns doesn’t just play pickleball—he dominates it.
   

2. 📲 WOW: DUPR Joins the 1M Club 🎉 DUPR made a mic-drop announcement on Instagram: the app officially hit 1 million users. 😎

   Let that sink in—1 million players tracking matches, climbing rankings, and fueling their obsession with the fastest-growing sport in America.
   
   

3. 🏫 High School Spotlight: DUPR’s New National Pathway

   Big dreams start young, and DUPR is stepping up for the next generation of pickleball champs. 🚀 They’ve just launched a National Pathway Program for high school athletes, giving players a shot at competing on state and national stages.

   🎉 First stop? The inaugural event kicks off this April at Life Time Lakeville.
   
   

4. 🎾 Tennis Champ Aryna Sabalenka Takes a Swing at Pickleball

   When she’s not dominating the tennis world, World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka is… dabbling in pickleball? 🎉

   The short clip from the Australian Open shows Sabalenka trying her hand at the sport we all love.