MLP Austin Event Preview: A Comprehensive Look at the Upcoming Major League Pickleball Tournament

The pickleball world is buzzing with excitement as the third event of the 2025 Major League Pickleball (MLP) season approaches. Set to take place in Austin, Texas, this tournament promises to be a thrilling showcase of top-tier pickleball talent. As we gear up for the action, let’s dive into a detailed preview of what promises to be an unforgettable weekend of competitive pickleball.

Event Overview and Unique Scheduling

Breaking from tradition, the MLP Austin event is scheduled for Friday through Monday, a departure from the usual Thursday to Sunday format. This shift accommodates the Memorial Day holiday weekend, allowing fans and players alike to enjoy the extended competitive schedule.

What sets the Austin event apart is its inclusion of Challenger Level teams, marking the first stop in the 2025 season to feature this tier. For those new to the MLP structure, the league comprises 16 Premier Level teams and 6 Challenger Level teams, creating a dynamic and diverse competitive landscape.

The event is hosted by the Texas Ranchers, with matches taking place at the Austin Pickle Ranch. Former Ranchers owner Tim Klitch has invested in the facility, constructing two brand new outdoor courts specifically for this MLP event. This commitment to infrastructure highlights the growing importance and popularity of professional pickleball.

Match Format and Team Breakdown

The Austin event features a unique match structure:

• Five Premier Level teams will compete, with each team playing against every other once.
• All six Challenger Level teams will participate, also playing each other once.

This format results in a total of 25 matches: 10 at the Premier Level and 15 at the Challenger Level. The balanced structure ensures that each team faces a comprehensive test against their peers, providing ample opportunity for teams to showcase their skills and climb the rankings.

Weather Considerations and Playing Conditions

Athletes and spectators should brace themselves for challenging weather conditions. Forecasts predict hot and humid weather throughout the event, with humidity levels expected to range between 60% and 83%. These conditions will likely affect gameplay, particularly the speed of the Vulcan ball, which tends to play slower in high humidity.

Despite the matches being one game to 11 points with side-out scoring, the oppressive weather could significantly impact players’ stamina and performance. Teams with deeper benches and better-conditioned athletes may find themselves at an advantage as the tournament progresses.

How to Watch

Pickleball enthusiasts have multiple options to catch the action:

• All matches will be streamed live on Pickleballtv.com and the Pickleballtv app.
• Select matches will be broadcast on regional networks, including FanDuel Sports Network Florida, KDFW FOX 4 in Dallas-Fort Worth, and Tennis Channel.

This comprehensive coverage ensures that fans can follow their favorite teams and players throughout the tournament, regardless of their location.

Premier Level Team Analysis

Dallas Flash

Currently leading in Points Per Match (PPM) with 3 PPM, the Dallas Flash enter the Austin event as the team to beat. Their roster, featuring standouts like Jorja Johnson, Hurricane Tyra Black, JW Johnson, and Augie Ge, presents a formidable challenge to opponents. The team’s strength lies in their consistency across both gender doubles and mixed doubles events.

Prediction: 8 points out of a possible 12, with two regulation wins and two Dreambreaker losses against Texas and New Jersey.

Orlando Squeeze

Ranking third in PPM with 2.27, the Orlando Squeeze face a tougher schedule in Austin compared to their previous outings. The team’s performance will largely depend on Samantha Parker’s ability to withstand targeted play from opponents. With strong performances from Dylan Frazier and Federico Staksrud in recent events, the Squeeze aim to maintain their competitive edge.

Prediction: 3 points out of 12, with a win against Miami but losses to Dallas, New Jersey, and Texas.

Texas Ranchers

The host team enters the tournament with momentum, ranking fourth in PPM at 2.25. The Ranchers’ lineup, including Etta Tuionetoa, Tina Pisnik, Christian Alshon, and Eric Oncins, has shown exceptional form both in MLP and PPA Tour events. Their well-rounded skill set across all match types positions them as strong contenders.

Prediction: 9 points out of 12, including a Dreambreaker win against Dallas and a Dreambreaker loss to New Jersey.

New Jersey 5s

Known for their Dreambreaker prowess, the New Jersey 5s (2.17 PPM) aim to prove they belong in the top tier of teams. With Anna Leigh Waters leading the charge alongside Meghan Dizon, Zane Navratil, and Will Howells, the 5s have the potential to make a significant impact in Austin.

Prediction: 10 points out of 12, dropping only two points throughout the event.

Miami Pickleball Club

Despite a strong showing in Orlando, Miami (1.45 PPM) faces an uphill battle in Austin against tougher competition. The team’s performance will heavily rely on Mya Bui’s ability to handle pressure in both women’s doubles and mixed doubles events.

Prediction: 0 points out of 12, struggling against the high-caliber opponents in Austin.

Challenger Level Teams Overview

The Challenger Level competition introduces an exciting element to the Austin event, with six teams vying for supremacy:

• Bay Area Breakers
• California Black Bears
• D.C. Pickleball Team
• Florida Smash
• Las Vegas Night Owls
• Nashville Chefs

Each team brings a unique mix of talent and strategy to the court, with the Las Vegas Night Owls and D.C. Pickleball Team emerging as early favorites based on roster strength and recent performances.

Conclusion

The MLP Austin event promises to be a pivotal moment in the 2025 season, offering a mix of established Premier Level powerhouses and hungry Challenger Level teams eager to make their mark. With challenging weather conditions, strategic team compositions, and the pressure of mid-season standings on the line, fans can expect intense competition and potentially surprising outcomes.

As the pickleball world turns its eyes to Austin, this event not only showcases the sport’s top talent but also highlights the growing infrastructure and fan base supporting professional pickleball. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to the sport, the MLP Austin tournament offers an exciting opportunity to witness the skill, strategy, and passion that define Major League Pickleball.