MLP’s D.C. Pickleball Team, Brooklyn Aces Swap Franchise Name Rights Ahead of 2025 Season
The D.C. Pickleball Team (DCPT) and Brooklyn Aces (BK) of the Major League Pickleball (MLP) Presented By DoorDash have officially announced the exchange of franchise name rights ahead of the 2025 MLP season. This unique and strategic decision reflects the shared commitment of both ownership groups to strengthen their connection to their respective home markets and ensures that both organizations are well-positioned for sustained success.
From DC Pickleball Team to Brooklyn Pickleball Team
The franchise that played the 2024 MLP season as the DC Pickleball Team—a Premier Level franchise with a roster of Dekel Bar, Jackie Kawamoto, Riley Newman, and Rachel Rohrabacher—will henceforth be known as the Brooklyn Pickleball Team. The franchise features an ownership group headlined by Al Tylis, Sam Porter, Eva Longoria, Justin Verlander, Kate Upton, Rip Hamilton, Shawn Marion, Odell Beckham Jr., Cliff Avril, and Mesut Ozil.
“We are incredibly grateful for the successful first two years we’ve had in Washington, D.C., and for the unwavering support of our amazing fans,” said Tylis, now Principal Owner of the Brooklyn Pickleball Team. “Looking ahead to this next chapter in Brooklyn, we’re filled with excitement about the opportunity to grow the game and create new connections in the borough I was raised in and a city with such a rich sports culture. At the same time, we’ll continue collaborating with stakeholders to ensure that our time in D.C. leaves a lasting impact. We can’t wait to see both communities rally behind their teams as we embark on this exciting journey.”
The D.C. Pickleball Team (DCPT) is DC’s Challenger Level Major League Pickleball (MLP) team that joined MLP ahead of the 2023 season. Co-owned by Boardroom Sports Holdings’ Rich Kleiman and Kevin Durant, DCPT takes pride in leaning into the community and identifying ways to bring the sport to underserved populations. (For more information about D.C. Pickleball Team, visit dcpickleballteam.com and follow on Instagram.)
From Brooklyn Aces to D.C. Pickleball Team
The team that played 2024 as the Brooklyn Aces—a Challenger Level franchise with a roster of Daniel De La Rosa, Andrea Koop, Mari Humberg, and Stefan Auvergne—are now the D.C. Pickleball Team, with an ownership group highlighted by Boardroom Sport Holdings’ Rich Kleiman and Kevin Durant.
“Our organisation has created deep roots within the DC community over the years through the work of the Durant Family Foundation and Team Durant, and being able to bring our pickleball team to DC to create more connectivity just makes sense,” said Rich Kleiman, now Principal Owner of the D.C. Pickleball Team. “We’re excited to continue our work growing this team now as the D.C. Pickleball Team.”
Both ownership groups extend their heartfelt gratitude to their fans for their unwavering support and enthusiasm. As the teams prepare for this exciting new chapter, they invite fans to stay tuned for updates, including adjustments to digital platforms and the release of fresh team merchandise.
Brooklyn Pickleball Team (BKPT) is Brooklyn’s Premier Level Major League Pickleball (MLP) team. The BKPT ownership group includes Al Tylis, Sam Porter, Eva Longoria, Justin Verlander, Kate Upton, Rip Hamilton, Shawn Marion, Odell Beckham Jr., Cliff Avril, and Mesut Ozil.
The franchise won their first ever MLP Championship on 5 November 2023 in Dallas. The current roster includes Rachel Rohrabacher, former D1 tennis star at the University of South Carolina, MLP Champion, and top four ranked pickleballer; Dekel Bar, former pro tennis player and world pickleball ranked #6; Riley Newman, world ranked #7 in pickleball and 2023 DCPT Champion; Jackie Kawamoto, former D1 tennis standout at the University of Dayton, and key player from the 2023 DCPT MLP Championship roster; Hannah Blatt, former pro Canadian squash player and rising pickleball talent; and Pat Smith, Men’s Conference Player of the Year at UMKC and former pro tennis star.
(For more information about Brooklyn Pickleball Team, visit brooklynpickleballteam.com and follow on social media: X, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and the Team Shop.)
