MLP’s 2025 Free Agency Draft [Breakdown + Why It Matters]

The 2025 MLP Premier Level Free Agency Draft was everything we expected—high stakes, intense bidding wars, and roster shakeups that will define the upcoming season. With 56 selections made, teams finalized their six-player rosters in a draft process that was as much about strategy as it was about securing top talent. And now, all eyes turn to the Challenger Level Draft on March 3rd.

At 11 Pickles, we don’t just cover pickleball—we live it. The MLP Free Agency Draft isn’t just about teams picking players; it’s about the future of the sport, the rivalries forming, and the drama that makes pickleball as thrilling as ever. Whether you’re a hardcore fan or just getting into the game, this draft is shaping the competition you’ll be watching all year. So let’s break it all down.

Here’s what went down at the Premier Level Free Agency Draft, why it matters, and what it means for the future of MLP.

How the 2025 MLP Free Agency Draft Worked

Unlike traditional sports drafts, MLP uses a dynamic bidding system where teams bid for draft slots instead of selecting in a fixed order. With no salary cap, teams had the freedom to strategize their spending, leading to intense bidding battles.

• Teams were required to fill four starting roster spots (two male, two female) before selecting bench players.
• The first four selections had a minimum bid of 10,000 draft points, ensuring the top players commanded high prices.
• The final two selections had a minimum bid of just 1,000 draft points, allowing teams to round out their rosters efficiently.
• Only UPA-contracted players were eligible for selection.

With 40 players retained before the draft, 56 players were picked to complete all 16 teams. And the results? A mix of smart acquisitions, some questionable picks, and a few teams making championship-level moves.

Biggest Winners of the Draft

The dust has settled, the bids are locked in, and now it’s time to see which teams made the best moves. Some franchises played it smart, doubling down on proven lineups, while others took big swings on potential stars. Let’s break down who came out on top.

DC Pickleball Team #1

‍DC absolutely crushed this draft. By picking up Riley Newman, they significantly upgraded their roster and are now a legitimate title contender. Their starting four—Newman, Dekel Bar, Rachel Rohrabacher, and Jackie Kawamoto—is one of the best-balanced lineups in MLP.

St. Louis and Dallas Pickleball Teams #2-3

Both teams played it safe and smart by running it back with Kate Fahey (St. Louis) and Augie Ge (Dallas)—keeping their core intact. It’s a "don’t fix what isn’t broken" move, and in Dallas' case, why change when you just won a title?

Columbus Pickleball Team #4

‍Adding Lea Jansen was a strong move to pair with Andrei Daescu, CJ Klinger, and Parris Todd. The chemistry might be a question mark, but they actively improved their squad.

Phoenix Pickleball Team #5

Jack Sock brings name recognition and experience from tennis, but his doubles game in pickleball is still a work in progress. The Flames' decision to bring him on is intriguing—if he adapts quickly, he could be a valuable asset, but there were stronger, more proven options available. This pick feels like a mix of potential and marketing, rather than an immediate competitive boost.Sure, Sock is a big name, but his doubles game isn't top-tier. Phoenix’s offseason strategy has been questionable, and this pick reinforces that they’re prioritizing marketing over talent.

New York Pickleball Team #6

Zane Ford and Donald Young have upside, but their roster-building strategy feels more like a gamble than a calculated move. If it works, they’ll look like geniuses. If not, they could be at the bottom of the standings.

New Jersey Pickleball Team #7

This was the biggest head-scratcher of the draft. Bouchard has potential but isn't a top 20 player in MLP yet. If this isn’t part of a trade strategy, it’s a risky bet that could backfire.

Why the MLP Free Agency Draft Matters

But beyond individual picks, this draft highlighted a key shift: pickleball is no longer a niche sport—it’s officially a high-stakes game. The financial investments from teams, the calculated risks taken in roster building, and the increasing level of competition show that MLP is evolving into a true professional sports league. With former tennis stars like Genie Bouchard and Jack Sock making their way into the league, MLP is drawing more mainstream attention, pulling in larger audiences, and making a stronger case for major sponsorships.

The significance of this draft goes beyond the players selected—it signals a transformation in how teams approach long-term success. The most well-managed teams aren’t just looking at short-term wins; they’re planning for sustainability, brand expansion, and player development. The question isn’t just who will win this season—it’s who is laying the foundation to dominate for years to come.

The Challenger Draft up next will be the final opportunity for teams to refine their rosters. With only a handful of spots available, the pressure is on for teams to identify hidden gems who can make an impact. The stakes have never been higher, and every move from here on out could shape the championship race and the future of Major League Pickleball.. With former tennis stars like Genie Bouchard and Jack Sock making their way into the league, MLP is drawing more mainstream attention. Viewership is up, fan engagement is growing, and sponsors are taking notice.

With the Challenger Draft up next, teams will have one final chance to refine their rosters before the season kicks off. The stakes have never been higher, and every move from here on out could shape the championship race.

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