Lacy Schneemann of the Florida Smash returns a shot during a group play Major League Pickleball match against BLQK at Pickle & Chill on October 15, 2022 in Columbus, Ohio.
Emilee Chinn | Getty Images
After weeks of drama in professional pickleball, the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball have once again agreed to merge, the leagues announced on Wednesday.
The merger is being supported by a $50 million investment led by private equity firm SC Holdings, PPA Tour owner Tom Dundon, and various MLP owners.
“As professional pickleball continues to grow rapidly, we are thrilled to offer players and fans the clarity and consistency of a unified professional pickleball organization,” said Steve Kuhn, the founder of Major League Pickleball, in a statement.
The merger agreement was initially disclosed in November. However, in recent weeks, there was a major falling out between MLP and PPA after the previously agreed merger terms had not been finalized.
Both competing leagues have been engaged in a spending war to sign the world’s top players, aiming to attract them to play in their respective leagues.
“This merger will expand and enhance opportunities for both current and future players, creating a unified experience and a better future for professional pickleball,” Kuhn added.
Both amateur and professional pickleball have experienced unprecedented growth in the last few years. In 2022 alone, more than 36 million people played pickleball, and courts are being built all over the country. On the professional level, the value of Major League Pickleball teams has skyrocketed, with some teams fetching prices as high as $10 million.
Dundon stated that the new holding company will help streamline the sport by addressing issues related to competition, broadcasting rights, and sponsorship.
The PPA Tour operates on a bracket-style tour format, while MLP is a coed, team-based league. Major League Pickleball is owned by several high-profile athletes, including LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Tom Brady, and Patrick Mahomes.
Under the merger, fans will be able to watch both individual and team play formats under the same organization. The combined leagues will include 150 of the leading players in the world.
“Over the past few years, we have witnessed increasing interest from investors, sponsors, fans, and players who recognize the immense value in the future of professional pickleball,” said Dundon.
