HOW MLP WORKS

MLPlay™ is an innovative gameplay format that brings men and women together on a level playing court. In the MLPlay format team matches are composed of four games, with the first two (2) games being women’s doubles or men’s doubles, and the final two (2) games consisting of mixed doubles. If teams are tied after the four (4) games, an innovative singles tiebreaker known as a DreamBreaker™ is played. This unique dynamic means that teamwork as a skill is just as critical as speed or technique on the court and a big part of the community aspect of the sport!

Download the MLPlay™ Rules Guide

Download the MLP Competition Format Overview

The league consists of 22 teams split into the MLP Premier Level (16 teams) and MLP Challenger Level (6 teams). Premier Level is home to the top 64 players drafted while Challenger Level boasts the next crop of 24 players looking to become pro pickleball’s next stars. These levels ensure the highest caliber of competition while providing a pathway and opportunities for the next generation of pro pickleball stars to break through!

The 2025 MLP calendar features 14 events across the United States. The bulk of the 2025 MLP schedule will consist of ten (10) regular season events, each featuring a collection of the 22 MLP teams playing multiple matches, along with a Mid-Season Tournament, two rounds of the 2025 MLP Playoffs, and the MLP Cup in November. All Teams will participate in the same number of total regular season events, playing the same number of matches during the regular season. Click here to find an event near you, and stay tuned for all event match schedules.

A total of three standings points will be earned in every regular season match. The cumulative season-long standings will be calculated at both levels.

Standings points are earned in every match as follows:

3 Points: Regulation win (i.e.: 3-1 or 4-0 win; no DreamBreaker needed)
2 Points: DreamBreaker win (i.e.: 3-2 win)
1 Point: DreamBreaker loss (i.e.: 2-3 loss)
0 Points: Regulation loss (i.e.: 1-3 or 0-4 loss; no DreamBreaker needed)

At both levels, a select number of teams with the most standings points at the end of the regular season will earn entry into the 2025 MLP Playoffs. The Playoffs will be broken up over two different weeks in August. The first two rounds will be played in San Diego, followed by the Semifinals and Finals in New York City.

In 2025, MLP will switch to a side out scoring system for the doubles format of MLP (e.g., Gender & Mixed). Games will be played to 11 points, with a winning margin of at least two points.