MLP Player Keepers and Drops: A Complete Analysis of the 2026 Season Rules
Understanding the Basics of MLP Player Management
Major League Pickleball (MLP) has evolved significantly since its inception, particularly in how teams manage their player rosters. The 2024 season marked a historic milestone as the first complete regular season with a playoff championship. More importantly, it introduced a new system where teams could retain players for up to three years, creating a foundation for long-term team building and fan engagement.
This multi-year retention system mirrors successful models in other professional sports, allowing teams to develop stronger fan connections through consistent player representation. However, to maintain competitive balance in this rapidly growing league, MLP has implemented mandatory player drop rules that create an annual pool of available talent.
The Four Fundamental Rules of Player Retention
According to Major League Pickleball, teams must navigate four critical rules when making keeper decisions between the 2025 and 2026 seasons:
- Universal Free Agency Requirement: Every player must enter the free agency pool at least once before the 2027 season begins.
- Three-Year Keeper Limit: Teams can retain two players from the 2024 draft class through the 2026 season.
- Two-Year Keeper Provision: Teams may designate one player who was drafted in 2024 and traded in 2025 as a two-year keeper.
- 2025 Draft Class Exception: Players selected in the 2025 Free Agency Draft can be retained for up to three years, independent of other keeper designations.
Financial Implications and Keeper Costs
While The Dink Pickleball reports that MLP handles player salaries directly, teams must pay the league a “keeper fee” to retain players. This fee structure is separate from player compensation and represents an additional strategic consideration for team management.
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Looking Ahead
These keeper rules will significantly impact team composition and competitive balance in the 2026 season. Teams must carefully weigh their options, considering not just player performance but also keeper costs and long-term strategic implications. While some teams face difficult decisions about which star players to retain, others have more flexibility in building their rosters for the future.
