MLP Franchises in D.C. and Brooklyn Swap Naming Rights: A Strategic Move in Professional Pickleball

In a surprising turn of events, Major League Pickleball (MLP) has witnessed an unprecedented move as two of its franchises, the Brooklyn Aces and D.C. Pickleball Team, have announced a strategic swap of their naming rights. This bold decision marks a significant shift in the landscape of professional pickleball and demonstrates the dynamic nature of the sport’s rapidly evolving ecosystem.

Understanding the Swap: What It Means for MLP

The essence of this swap lies in its simplicity yet far-reaching implications. As per the announcement:

• The team formerly known as the D.C. Pickleball Team will now be rebranded as the Brooklyn Pickleball Team.
• Conversely, the erstwhile Brooklyn Aces will now be known as the D.C. Pickleball Team.

This strategic maneuver goes beyond mere nomenclature. It represents a calculated effort by both ownership groups to forge stronger connections with their respective home markets. By aligning team names with their geographical bases, these franchises aim to cultivate deeper roots within their communities, potentially leading to increased fan engagement and local support.

The New D.C. Pickleball Team: A Powerhouse in the Making

The transformation of the Brooklyn Aces into the D.C. Pickleball Team brings with it a rich history and star-studded ownership. Founded by Boardroom Sport Holdings’ Rich Kleiman and NBA superstar Kevin Durant, this team has always had a strong connection to the D.C. area.

Rich Kleiman, the Principal Owner of the newly minted D.C. Pickleball Team, is a prominent figure in the sports and entertainment industry. As the Co-Founder and CEO of Boardroom and 35V, as well as Kevin Durant’s long-time agent and business partner, Kleiman brings a wealth of experience and industry connections to the table.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the change, Kleiman stated, “Our organization has created deep roots within the DC community over the years through the work of the Durant Family Foundation and Team Durant, and being able to bring our pickleball team to DC to create more connectivity just makes sense. We’re excited to continue our work growing this team now as the D.C. Pickleball Team.”

The D.C. Pickleball Team will compete in the Challenger Level in the upcoming 2025 season, boasting an impressive roster that includes:

• Daniel De La Rosa
• Andrea Koop
• Mari Humberg
• Stefan Auvergne

This lineup combines seasoned veterans with rising stars, positioning the D.C. Pickleball Team as a formidable contender in the league. Fans and pickleball enthusiasts can stay updated on the team’s progress and activities through their official website and Instagram account.

The Brooklyn Pickleball Team: A New Era in the Big Apple

On the flip side of this intriguing swap, we have the emergence of the Brooklyn Pickleball Team, formerly known as the D.C. Pickleball Team. This franchise, with its roots tracing back to December 2022, boasts an ownership group that reads like a who’s who of sports and entertainment.

The team’s ownership includes notable figures such as:

• Al Tylis (Principal Owner)
• Sam Porter
• Eva Longoria
• Justin Verlander
• Kate Upton
• Rip Hamilton
• Shawn Marion
• Odell Beckham Jr.
• Cliff Avril
• Mesut Ozil

This star-studded ownership group brings not only financial backing but also a wealth of experience in professional sports and entertainment, which could prove invaluable in navigating the competitive landscape of professional pickleball.

Al Tylis, the Principal Owner of the Brooklyn Pickleball Team, shared his perspective on the move: “We are incredibly grateful for the successful first two years we’ve had in Washington, D.C., and for the unwavering support of our amazing fans. Looking ahead to this next chapter in Brooklyn, we’re filled with excitement about the opportunity to grow the game and create new connections in the borough I was raised in and a city with such a rich sports culture. At the same time, we’ll continue collaborating with stakeholders to ensure that our time in D.C. leaves a lasting impact. We can’t wait to see both communities rally behind their teams as we embark on this exciting journey.”

The Brooklyn Pickleball Team is set to compete in the Premier Level in the 2025 season, fielding a roster that includes:

• Rachel Rohrabacher
• Dekel Bar
• Riley Newman
• Jackie Kawamoto
• Hannah Blatt
• Pat Smith

This talented lineup, combined with the leadership of Head Coach Kyle McKenzie and General Manager Josh Gartman, positions the Brooklyn Pickleball Team as a strong contender in the Premier Level.

Fans can follow the Brooklyn Pickleball Team’s journey through various platforms, including their official website, Shopify store, Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and YouTube channels.

The Impact on Major League Pickleball and the Sport’s Future

This unprecedented swap of naming rights between two MLP franchises signifies more than just a change in team names. It represents a broader trend in the professional pickleball landscape, where strategic decisions are being made to optimize market penetration, fan engagement, and long-term sustainability.

Several key implications of this move include:

1. Enhanced Local Connections: By aligning team names with their geographical locations, both franchises are poised to forge stronger ties with their local communities. This could lead to increased fan support, better attendance at matches, and more lucrative local sponsorship opportunities.
2. Marketing and Branding Opportunities: The rebranding process opens up new avenues for marketing and merchandise sales. Fans in both D.C. and Brooklyn will likely be eager to support their newly named local teams, potentially driving up revenue through ticket and merchandise sales.
3. Flexibility in Franchise Operations: This swap demonstrates the adaptability of MLP’s franchise model, allowing teams to make strategic decisions that best serve their interests and those of the league as a whole. Such flexibility could attract more investors to the sport, knowing they have room to maneuver and optimize their investments.
4. Growing the Sport: By strengthening the connection between teams and their home cities, this move has the potential to introduce pickleball to wider audiences. As local interest grows, it could lead to increased participation at the grassroots level, furthering the sport’s overall growth.
5. Setting a Precedent: This unique swap could set a precedent for future strategic moves within MLP and other professional pickleball leagues. It showcases the innovative thinking required to navigate the challenges of a rapidly evolving sport.

The Bigger Picture: Pickleball’s Evolution as a Professional Sport

The naming rights swap between these two MLP franchises is a testament to the rapid evolution of pickleball as a professional sport. In just a few short years, pickleball has transformed from a casual recreational activity to a structured professional league with sophisticated business strategies.

This move reflects several broader trends in the world of professional pickleball:

1. Increased Investment: The involvement of high-profile owners and investors, as seen in both the D.C. and Brooklyn teams, indicates growing confidence in pickleball’s potential as a profitable venture.
2. Strategic Market Positioning: Teams are becoming more strategic about their market presence, recognizing the importance of strong local connections in building a sustainable fan base.
3. Media and Fan Engagement: The emphasis on social media presence and digital platforms (as evidenced by both teams’ active online profiles) shows a recognition of the importance of engaging with fans beyond the court.
4. Professional Structure: The clear delineation of roles (such as Head Coach and General Manager) and the structured league system (Premier and Challenger Levels) demonstrate pickleball’s evolution towards a more professionalized sport.
5. Player Development: The mix of established stars and rising talents in team rosters indicates a focus on both immediate competitiveness and long-term player development.

Looking Ahead: What This Means for Pickleball Fans and Players

For pickleball enthusiasts, whether casual fans or aspiring professionals, these developments signal exciting times ahead. Here’s what this could mean for different stakeholders in the pickleball community:

• For Fans: Expect more engaging local narratives, potentially more accessible matches, and a greater sense of connection to your home team. The increased focus on market-specific branding could lead to more tailored fan experiences and community events.
• For Amateur Players: The growth and professionalization of leagues like MLP provide clearer pathways for progression in the sport. As the professional scene expands, so too might opportunities for amateur players to engage with and learn from top talents.
• For Aspiring Professionals: The structured league system and increasing investment in teams could lead to more opportunities for talented players to make a career in pickleball. The sport’s growing profile may also attract more sponsors, potentially increasing the financial viability of a professional pickleball career.
• For the Broader Sports Community: Pickleball’s rapid growth and innovative approaches to league structure and team management could serve as a case study for other emerging sports, potentially influencing the broader sports landscape.

Conclusion: A New Chapter in Pickleball’s Professional Journey

The naming rights swap between the D.C. and Brooklyn MLP franchises marks a significant milestone in the evolution of professional pickleball. It demonstrates the sport’s maturity, the strategic thinking of its stakeholders, and the potential for continued growth and innovation.

As pickleball continues to capture the hearts of players and fans across the United States and beyond, moves like this will likely become more common. They reflect the sport’s dynamism and the commitment of its leaders to building a sustainable, exciting, and locally-connected professional league.

For pickleball enthusiasts, the message is clear: keep your eyes on the court and beyond. The game you love is not just growing; it’s evolving in exciting and unexpected ways. Whether you’re a casual player, a dedicated fan, or an aspiring pro, there’s never been a more exciting time to be part of the pickleball community.

As we look forward to the 2025 MLP season and beyond, one thing is certain – the world of professional pickleball will continue to surprise and delight us with its innovation, competitiveness, and community spirit. The swap between D.C. and Brooklyn is just the beginning of what promises to be an thrilling new chapter in the sport’s history.