MLP New York Event Preview: Pickleball’s Elite Descend on the Big Apple

Major League Pickleball (MLP) is gearing up for another thrilling event, this time in the heart of New York City. The MLP New York tournament is set to kick off on Thursday at the Sportime Randall’s Island facility near Manhattan, marking the seventh of ten regular season events in the 2025 calendar.

Just days after the conclusion of MLP San Clemente, six Premier Level teams and all six Challenger Level teams are ready to battle it out in the Big Apple. This holiday weekend will see a total of 30 matches, evenly split between Premier and Challenger levels, promising pickleball enthusiasts a feast of high-level play.

Key Storylines to Watch

As we approach the MLP New York event, several intriguing narratives are developing:

The Carolina Hogs have made some significant roster moves, trading for Etta Tuionetoa and adding Roscoe Bellamy. Will these changes help lift them from their current position at the bottom of the standings?
The Orlando Squeeze and Miami Pickleball Club are making their return to MLP action for the first time since the Austin event in late May. Their performance in New York will be crucial in determining their true standing in the playoff race.
The Brooklyn Pickleball Team is riding high after an impressive showing in San Clemente, where they secured 10 out of 12 possible points with two substitute players. Can they maintain this momentum in their home event?

Premier Level Teams and Match Schedule

The Premier Level competition in New York will feature six teams, each playing a different number of matches:

Brooklyn Pickleball Team – 4 matches
Columbus Sliders – 5 matches
Orlando Squeeze – 5 matches
Miami Pickleball Club – 5 matches
NY Hustlers – 6 matches
Carolina Hogs – 5 matches

In the Challenger Level, all teams will face each other once, as is standard for every MLP stop they participate in.

Current Standings and Playoff Picture

Heading into the New York event, the Premier Level standings show a tight race for playoff positions. The Major League Pickleball format ensures that every match and every point counts towards the final standings. Teams highlighted in light blue are those competing in MLP New York.

In the Challenger Level, the standings are equally competitive, with teams jockeying for position and looking to make their mark in New York.

Weather Outlook and Playing Conditions

The weather forecast for MLP New York looks promising for pickleball, despite expectations of heat and humidity. These conditions are likely to affect ball speed, with the Vulcan ball expected to play slower than the LifeTime ball used in San Clemente due to the increased heat and humidity.

How to Watch MLP New York

Pickleball fans can catch all the action through various broadcast channels. The tournament will be aired on Tennis Channel, CBS Sports Network, and FanDuel Sports Network. Additionally, regional networks will be broadcasting specific matches, providing comprehensive coverage of the event.

Team-by-Team Preview and Analysis

Brooklyn Pickleball Team

Currently sitting 4th in points per match (PPM), Brooklyn is looking to capitalize on their recent success. With Riley Newman potentially returning from injury and the strong mixed doubles pairing of Jackie Kawamoto and Rachel Rohrabacher, Brooklyn is a team to watch. Rohrabacher, in particular, was the highest-rated player in MLP San Clemente, showcasing the team’s potential.

Columbus Sliders

The Sliders, currently 5th in PPM, have a unique advantage in New York with two scheduled matches against the NY Hustlers. Led by Parris Todd and Lea Jansen, Columbus is aiming to break the 2 PPM average and solidify their playoff position.

Orlando Squeeze

After a month-long break, Orlando (8th in PPM) faces a crucial opening match against Miami. The outcome could set the tone for their weekend and determine whether they’re fringe playoff contenders or potential first-round bye candidates.

Miami Pickleball Club

Miami (10th in PPM) is fighting to secure a playoff spot. Their performance against New York and ability to pick up points as underdogs in other matches will be critical to their postseason hopes.

NY Hustlers

The Hustlers (15th in PPM) face an uphill battle in New York, entering as underdogs in all their matches. The recent addition of Helena Jansen provides a boost, but the team will need to exceed expectations to make a significant move in the standings.

Carolina Hogs

Currently last in PPM, Carolina’s recent trades and signings show a commitment to turning their season around. With Ben Johns leading the charge and new additions Etta Tuionetoa and Roscoe Bellamy, the Hogs are poised for a potential comeback in New York.

Conclusion

The MLP New York event promises to be a pivotal moment in the 2025 season. With playoff implications on the line and the unique atmosphere of playing in the Big Apple, fans can expect intense competition and potentially season-defining performances. As the pickleball world turns its attention to Randall’s Island, the stage is set for an unforgettable weekend of world-class pickleball action.

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