MLP Offseason Analysis: Keeper Rules and Player Drop Requirements for 2026
Introduction to MLP Keeper Rules
Major League Pickleball (MLP) completed its first full regular season in 2024, marking a historic milestone for the sport. This season introduced multi-year player contracts, allowing teams to retain players for up to three years – a system designed to build team loyalty and fan engagement. However, to maintain competitive balance in this rapidly growing league, MLP has implemented mandatory player drop rules that create an interesting dynamic for team management and roster building.
Understanding the Basic Framework
The keeper system in MLP operates under four fundamental rules that shape how teams can retain their players. These rules create a delicate balance between team continuity and league-wide competitiveness. Most notably, all players must enter the free agency pool at least once by 2027, ensuring regular roster turnover and opportunities for player movement.
The Four Key Keeper Rules
1. Mandatory Free Agency Entry
Every player must enter the free agency pool at least once before the 2027 season begins. This means even star players can’t be kept indefinitely by one team, ensuring talent circulation throughout the league.
2. Three-Year Keeper Limit
Teams are allowed to designate two players from the 2024 draft class as “three-year keepers” for the 2026 season. These players can remain with their team through 2026 before mandatory entry into free agency.
3. Two-Year Keeper Provision
Teams can designate one traded player from 2024 as a “two-year keeper” for 2025-2026, provided they weren’t free agents in 2025. This creates interesting strategic decisions for teams considering trades.
4. 2025 Draft Class Exception
Players selected in the 2025 Free Agency Draft can be retained for up to three years by either their drafting team or any team acquiring them through trade. This provision exists outside the standard keeper designations.
Impact on Team Building
These rules create fascinating strategic challenges for team management. Based on current rosters, at least 24 players must change teams before the 2026 season – 14 from waiver additions and 10 from forced drops. This ensures regular roster movement and opportunities for teams to rebuild or reload.
The Columbus Sliders, who claimed the 2025 MLP Championship, face relatively minor disruption with only one mandatory drop. However, other teams like the Orlando Squeeze face more complex decisions with multiple high-value players eligible for limited keeper spots.
Financial Considerations
The keeper system includes a financial component through “keeper fees” paid by teams to the league. These fees are separate from player salaries (which the league pays directly) and add another strategic layer to roster decisions. Teams must balance the cost of keeping players against their value and potential replacement options in free agency.
Looking Ahead to 2026
While these rules provide the framework for the 2026 offseason, MLP has shown flexibility in adjusting regulations as the league evolves. As noted in previous rule changes covered by The Dink, teams should prepare for potential modifications to these guidelines.
The combination of forced movement and strategic retention options ensures an exciting offseason ahead, as teams navigate these rules to build competitive rosters for 2026.
