What to Watch for in MLP 2025: Key Storylines for the Season
Major League Pickleball 2025 kicks off this Thursday in Orlando, with all 16 Premier-level teams set to compete. Leading the pack are the reigning champions, the Dallas Flash.
The season spans several months, wrapping up with the MLP Playoffs in November. Here's a look at the major narratives to follow throughout the season.
1. Will Any Teams Break Out of Their Tier ?
Unlike previous years, the team rankings heading into 2025 seem more clearly defined. At the bottom are SoCal, New York, and Miami—teams that, at least on paper, aren’t expected to contend.
Just above them are Phoenix, Carolina, and Utah, who might win a few matches but don’t seem like playoff threats.
Orlando, Atlanta, and Chicago fall into the next tier. They have the potential to sneak into the playoffs, but a title run seems unlikely.
A level above that are LA, Texas, Columbus, and Brooklyn (formerly D.C.). These teams should make the playoffs but need to elevate their play to truly contend.
Finally, the top tier belongs to Dallas, New Jersey, and St. Louis—clear favorites to win the championship.
The big question: can a team rise above or fall below expectations as the season progresses? We’ll find out in November.
2. Injuries Could Shift Everything
Preseason predictions assume every team is fully healthy, but as we all know, injuries are inevitable over a long season.
With just four starters per team, one absence can dramatically change a team’s performance. Texas learned this the hard way last year when Christian Alshon’s injury slowed them down.
While everyone hopes for a healthy season, durability will be key.
3. Pressure Is Highest at the Top
Dallas and St. Louis return their full lineups from 2024, which gives them continuity and chemistry.
New Jersey, however, made one big change: Meghan Dizon replaces Mari Humberg. Dizon, a veteran of the PPA Tour, now has the pressure of performing alongside Anna Leigh Waters—arguably the sport’s biggest star.
It’s not always easy to play next to greatness. Just ask Gabe Tardio, who admitted to being nervous when teaming with Ben Johns.
For Dizon, every win might be credited to Waters, but any stumble could be blamed on her. How she handles that pressure could define New Jersey’s season—and it’s one of the most compelling stories to watch in 2025.
4. Which Version of the Johns Brothers Will We See?
Ben and Collin Johns headline the Carolina team, but their effort level in MLP 2024 left many fans questioning their commitment. Collin has openly criticized the league, and Ben didn’t seem fully engaged last season.
The Carolina front office didn’t make any major moves to refresh the roster or bring in new talent that might reignite their competitive spark.
That makes their playoff chances look slim—surprising, considering Ben Johns’ legendary status. Still, with talent like his, it’s hard to count Carolina out entirely. Whether they find motivation will be a key storyline to follow.
5. Who Will Be 2025’s Breakout Star ?
Every MLP season features a few surprise players who exceed expectations and make a big impact. Last year, fourth-round picks Augie Ge and Will Howells turned heads.
Ge helped power Dallas to a title, while Howells played like a top pick for New Jersey.
This year, all eyes are on St. Louis’s Kate Fahey. While many didn’t recognize her name at the time of the draft, she has since proven herself in singles, even cracking the top five.
Doubles, however, remains her weakness—she’s currently ranked just #25. If she elevates her doubles game, St. Louis has a real shot at the championship.
If not, her performance could be what holds them back. Her development is one of the biggest X-factors of the season.
MLP 2025 : A Season to Remember
This year’s MLP season promises drama, surprises, and intense matchups from start to finish. With rising stars, shifting team dynamics, and championship pressure building, it's shaping up to be one of the league’s most exciting years yet.
Be sure to catch the action live at an event near you—or stream it all on PickleballTV !
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