Edward Jones MLP Phoenix Event Preview: A Comprehensive Look at the Upcoming Pickleball Tournament
Major League Pickleball (MLP) is making its highly anticipated return to Phoenix after a two-year hiatus. The last time MLP graced the desert was in January 2023 for the inaugural event of that year’s Season 1, an occasion still revered as one of the most iconic MLP events in history. Now, pickleball enthusiasts and professionals alike are gearing up for what promises to be an electrifying tournament at the Edward Jones MLP Phoenix event.
Event Details and Venue
The Edward Jones MLP Phoenix event is set to take place at the prestigious Arizona Athletic Grounds in east Mesa, AZ. Renowned as one of the premier venues for professional pickleball events in the country, it offers an unparalleled setting for this high-stakes competition. The action kicks off on Thursday, May 29, and concludes on Sunday, June 1, promising four days of intense pickleball action.
In a strategic move to combat the desert heat, MLP has opted for a unique ‘under the lights’ playing schedule. Matches on the Championship Court, which is fully covered but outdoors, won’t commence until 3pm PT/6pm ET. The Grandstand Court, which is outdoors and uncovered, will see play starting even later at 5:45pm PT/8:45pm ET on Friday and Saturday. Sunday’s schedule shifts to morning starts, with play concluding around 2:15pm PT/5:15pm ET.
Current Standings and Tournament Structure
As we approach the Edward Jones MLP Phoenix event, the current standings paint an intriguing picture of the competition. The teams highlighted in light red in the standings table are the ones participating in this Phoenix event, adding an extra layer of excitement as they vie for crucial points.
For those seeking a more detailed breakdown of player and team standings, the MLP Data for 2025 provides a comprehensive overview.
Schedule and Broadcast Information
The tournament schedule is carefully crafted to provide optimal playing conditions and maximum viewer engagement. All times are given in Pacific Time, with matches spread across four days:
- Thursday, May 29: Opening matches
- 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: Three matches broadcast on MSG Networks in the tri-state area
- LA vs. DAL (9 a.m. PT / 12 p.m. ET)
- BRK vs. UTA (10:45 a.m. PT / 1:45 p.m. ET)
- PHX vs. BRK (12:30 p.m. PT / 3:30 p.m. ET)
For those unable to attend in person, all matches will be streamed live on Pickleballtv.com and the Pickleballtv App, which is now available on Roku and Apple devices.
Team Participation and Match Frequency
The Edward Jones MLP Phoenix event features seven teams, each playing a varying 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
Weather Considerations
The Phoenix climate presents unique challenges for players and organizers alike. With sunset scheduled for 7:30pm, the initial matches on the Grandstand court on Friday and Saturday may face intense heat and potential shadow issues. However, as the evening progresses, conditions are expected to improve with cooler temperatures.
It’s worth noting that Phoenix is known for its dry heat, with humidity levels typically ranging between 10%-20% throughout the weekend. This presents a stark contrast to the conditions experienced at the recent Austin event, adding another tactical element for players to consider.
Team-by-Team Preview
Dallas Flash
Current Standing: 2nd in Points Per Match (PPM) with 2.75 PPM
Matches in Phoenix: 6
Opponents: SoCal, BRK, ATL, UT, PHX, LA
The Dallas Flash enter the Phoenix event as the team to beat. Currently undefeated after eight matches, they sit just behind the Shock in the standings. Their projected starters include the formidable lineup of Jorja Johnson, Hurricane Tyra Black, JW Johnson, and Augie Ge, with Tatiana Ruhl and Ivan Jakovljevic on the bench.
As the only team in Phoenix that also competed in last week’s MLP Austin event, fatigue could be a factor. However, their dominant form suggests they’ll be favored in all their matchups. The LA Mad Drops and Brooklyn Pickleball Team pose the biggest threats to their unbeaten run.
Prediction: 17 points out of a possible 18, with their only dropped point likely coming against the LA Mad Drops in a closely contested Dreambreaker.
Brooklyn Pickleball Team
Current Standing: 7th in PPM with 1.6 PPM
Matches in Phoenix: 6
Opponents: LA, DAL, SoCal, ATL, UT, PHX
The Brooklyn team showed improvement throughout their last appearance at MLP Orlando. With a challenging schedule behind them, they’re looking to capitalize on a relatively easier draw in Phoenix. Their projected starters are Rachel Rohrabacher, Jackie Kawamoto, Dekel Bar, and Riley Newman, supported by Hannah Blatt and Pat Smith on the bench.
Brooklyn’s goal will be to approach or exceed 2 points per match, which would solidify their position as a top 5 contender.
Prediction: 14 points out of 18, losing to Dallas but either beating or forcing Dreambreakers against their other opponents. This performance would boost them to 2 PPM, tying them for 4th place with the Texas Ranchers.
LA Mad Drops
Current Standing: 8th in PPM with 1.33 PPM
Matches in Phoenix: 6
Opponents: BRK, PHX, SoCal, UT, DAL, ATL
The LA Mad Drops enter Phoenix with only three matches under their belt, none of which featured their full starting lineup. With Hunter Johnson now fully recovered from a kitchen accident, we’ll finally see the Mad Drops at full strength. Their projected starters are Catherine Parenteau, Jade Kawamoto, Quang Duong, and Hunter Thomas, with Danna Funaro and Wes Burrows in reserve.
The team recently traded Angie Walker to the Bay Area Breakers for Danna Funaro, adding depth to their roster.
Prediction: 12 points out of 18. Known for their prowess in Dreambreakers, LA could use this to their advantage and climb the rankings.
Atlanta Bouncers
Current Standing: 11th in PPM with 0.89 PPM
Matches in Phoenix: 6
Opponents: UT, PHX, DAL, BRK, SoCal, LA
The Atlanta Bouncers are in a battle for the final playoff position. Their projected starters include Vivian Glozman, Victoria DiMuzio, Jaume Martinez Vich, and Todd Fought, with Rachel Rettger and Sam Querrey on the bench. The team’s success may hinge on DiMuzio and Fought improving their mixed doubles record, currently standing at 1-8.
For a successful outing, the Bouncers need to secure at least two points from their matches against SoCal, Utah, and Phoenix.
Prediction: 8 points out of 18. This would push them above the 1 PPM mark and potentially into a playoff spot.
Phoenix Flames
Current Standing: 12th in PPM with 0.88 PPM
Matches in Phoenix: 6
Opponents: LA, ATL, UT, DAL, SoCal, BRK
As the host team, the Phoenix Flames bring excitement to the court but have struggled with on-court results. Their projected starters are Jessie Irvine, Genie Bouchard, Tyson McGuffin, and Jack Sock, with Alex Walker and Pesa Teoni in reserve. Despite strong individual performances from McGuffin and Irvine, the team has yet to secure a regulation win in eight matches.
The key to success for the Flames lies in improved performances from Sock and Bouchard, particularly in mixed doubles where they are currently 0-8.
Prediction: 6 points out of 18. This would keep them just below the 1 PPM mark and outside the playoff hunt.
SoCal Hard Eights
Current Standing: 14th in PPM with 0.5 PPM
Matches in Phoenix: 6
Opponents: DAL, LA, BRK, ATL, UT, PHX
The Hard Eights recently acquired Roscoe Bellamy from the Columbus Sliders, waiving Ivan Jakovljevic in the process. Their projected starters are Judit Castillo, Irina Tereschenko, Roscoe Bellamy, and Blaine Hovenier, with Lauren Hidalgo Smith and Ryan Fu on the bench. The team’s lineup strategy, particularly on the men’s side, will be interesting to watch given Bellamy and Hovenier’s preference for the right side.
Prediction: 1 point out of 18. Despite the Bellamy upgrade, SoCal may struggle in the challenging desert conditions.
Utah Black Diamonds
Current Standing: 15th in PPM with 0.33 PPM
Matches in Phoenix: 6
Opponents: ATL, PHX, DAL, LA, SoCal, BRK
After facing tough competition in Orlando, the Utah Black Diamonds have a more favorable schedule in Phoenix. Their projected starters are Allyce Jones, Genie Erokhina, Connor Garnett, and Tyler Loong, with Mehvish Safdar and Yates Johnson in reserve. With their highest-ranked player, Allyce Jones, at 47th overall, the team has room for improvement.
Prediction: 5 points out of 18. This would boost their PPM to 0.67, moving them up in the standings.
Conclusion
The Edward Jones MLP Phoenix event promises to be a thrilling showcase of top-tier pickleball talent. With teams vying for crucial points and playoff positions, every match will be hotly contested. As the desert heat adds an extra challenge, players will need to bring their A-game both physically and strategically.
For pickleball enthusiasts, this event offers a perfect blend of established stars and rising talents, all competing under the lights in one of the sport’s most iconic venues. Whether you’re watching from the stands or tuning in from home, the Edward Jones MLP Phoenix event is set to deliver unforgettable moments and potentially reshape the MLP standings as we head into the latter part of the season.
