Edward Jones MLP Phoenix Event Preview: A Comprehensive Guide
Major League Pickleball (MLP) is making its highly anticipated return to Phoenix after a two-year hiatus. The last time MLP graced the desert landscape was in January 2023 for the inaugural event of Season 1 that year. This upcoming tournament, known as the Edward Jones MLP Phoenix event, is set to take place at the renowned Arizona Athletic Grounds in east Mesa, AZ. The venue continues to be a premier location for professional pickleball events in the United States.
For those unfamiliar with MLP, it’s a professional pickleball league that features some of the top players in the sport competing in team-based competitions. The league has grown significantly since its inception, attracting more fans and higher-caliber players with each passing season.
Event Details and Schedule
The action kicks off on Thursday, May 29, and concludes on Sunday, June 1. In a unique twist, MLP is embracing the concept of ‘playing under the lights’ for this Phoenix event. Due to the intense desert heat, Championship Court matches (which are fully covered but still outdoors) won’t begin until 3pm PT/6pm ET. Matches on the Grandstand Court (outdoors and uncovered) are scheduled even later, starting at 5:45pm PT/8:45pm ET on Friday and Saturday. Sunday’s schedule differs slightly, with play commencing in the morning and wrapping up around 2:15pm PT/5:15pm ET.
Current Standings and Teams
As we head into the Edward Jones MLP Phoenix event, it’s crucial to understand where each team stands. The current standings show a tight race, with several teams vying for top positions. The full breakdown of all player and team standings is available for those who want to dive deeper into the statistics.
Seven teams will be competing in the Phoenix event, each playing a different number of matches:
- Dallas Flash: 6 matches
- Brooklyn Pickleball Team: 6 matches
- LA Mad Drops: 6 matches
- Atlanta Bouncers: 6 matches
- Phoenix Flames: 6 matches
- SoCal Hard Eights: 6 matches
- Utah Black Diamonds: 6 matches
How to Watch
Pickleball enthusiasts can catch all the action live on Pickleballtv.com and the Pickleballtv App, which is now available on Roku and Apple devices. Additionally, select matches will be broadcast on regional networks:
- Friday, May 30: DAL vs. BRK (5:00 p.m PT / 7:00 p.m. CT) on KFDI More 27 in Dallas-Ft. Worth
- Saturday, May 31: DAL vs. PHX (8:30 p.m PT / 10:30 p.m. CT) on KFDI More 27 in Dallas-Ft. Worth
- Sunday, June 1: Multiple matches on MSG Networks in the tri-state area
Weather Outlook
The desert climate of Phoenix presents unique challenges for players and spectators alike. Temperatures are expected to be high, with daytime highs reaching into the 100s Fahrenheit. However, it’s important to note that Phoenix experiences a dry heat, with humidity levels typically fluctuating between 10% and 20% throughout the weekend. This is significantly different from the conditions players faced in Austin the previous weekend.
Sunset is scheduled for 7:30pm, which means the first matches on the Grandstand court on Friday and Saturday may be particularly challenging, with players potentially dealing with both heat and shadow issues. As the sun sets, conditions should become more favorable for play.
Team-by-Team Preview
Dallas Flash
Currently undefeated and sitting in second place in the standings, the Dallas Flash are the team to beat in Phoenix. With a impressive record of 8 matches played, 22 points earned, and a 2.75 Points Per Match (PPM) average, they’re favored in all their matchups. Key players to watch include Jorja Johnson, Hurricane Tyra Black, JW Johnson, and Augie Ge.
Brooklyn Pickleball Team
The Brooklyn team showed improvement throughout the MLP Orlando event and will be looking to capitalize on a slightly easier schedule in Phoenix. With Rachel Rohrabacher, Jackie Kawamoto, Dekel Bar, and Riley Newman leading the charge, they aim to solidify their position as a top-5 team.
LA Mad Drops
The Mad Drops have only played three matches so far this season, none with their full starting lineup. With Hunter Johnson now healthy, we’ll finally see the team at full strength. Catherine Parenteau, Jade Kawamoto, Quang Duong, and Hunter Thomas form a formidable lineup that could surprise many in Phoenix.
Atlanta Bouncers
Fighting for one of the last playoff positions, the Atlanta Bouncers need a strong showing in Phoenix. The team’s success may hinge on the continued improvement of Victoria DiMuzio and the mixed doubles performance of DiMuzio and Todd Fought.
Phoenix Flames
As the host team, the Flames will be looking to ignite their season in front of a home crowd. Despite star power from Jessie Irvine, Genie Bouchard, Tyson McGuffin, and Jack Sock, the team has struggled to secure regulation wins. Improving their mixed doubles performance will be crucial for success.
SoCal Hard Eights
With only two matches played so far, the Hard Eights are somewhat of an unknown quantity. The recent addition of Roscoe Bellamy could provide a boost, but how the team configures their lineup will be interesting to watch.
Utah Black Diamonds
After a tough schedule in Orlando, the Black Diamonds are hoping for better results in Phoenix. While they currently sit near the bottom of the standings, a more favorable set of matchups could see them climb the ranks.
Conclusion
The Edward Jones MLP Phoenix event promises to be an exciting chapter in the 2025 MLP season. With top teams like the Dallas Flash looking to maintain their dominance and underdogs like the Phoenix Flames hoping for a breakthrough on home turf, pickleball fans are in for a treat. The unique challenges posed by the desert environment add an extra layer of intrigue to the competition.
Whether you’re a die-hard pickleball fan or new to the sport, this event offers something for everyone. From strategic team selections to thrilling on-court action, the MLP Phoenix tournament is set to showcase the best that professional pickleball has to offer. Be sure to tune in and witness the drama unfold in the heart of the Arizona desert.
