MLP USA Makes Key Updates on 2025 League Calendar for Player Keepers, Free Agency, and More
Major League Pickleball (MLP by Margaritaville) has announced competition structure updates and key league operations dates for player acquisitions and roster moves throughout the 2025 MLP season. Thew new season will unfold in Orlando, Florida at the USTA National Campus on 24th–27th April 2025.
In the most noteworthy new twist starting in 2025, the 16 Premier Level teams will see roster expansion from four players to six (three men and three women), allowing for unique roster building strategies and optimal match day lineup setting. Additional information about the 2025 MLP Competition Structure follows the calendar grid.
| Date | 2025 MLP Operational Event |
| Wednesday, 22nd January | Trade Window #1 opens |
| Saturday, 15th February | Trade Window #1 closes |
| Sunday, 16th February | All teams declare their 2025 keepers |
| Sunday, 2nd March | Premier Level Free Agency |
| Mon, 3rd March | Challenger Level Free Agency; Trade Window #2 opens, following Challenger FA |
| Wednesday, 11th June | Premier Level Waiver Wire |
| Thursday, 12th June | Challenger Level Waiver Wire |
| Monday, 14th July | Trade Deadline |
Key Updates Announced
Full 2025 competition structure updates and operations can be found on the MLP website, with several high-level updates noted:
- Player Eligibility: Only players under UPA contract will be eligible to play in MLP events
- Rosters: All Premier Level teams will see rosters expand to six players—three men and three women
- Playoffs: Ten (10) Premier teams and all six Challenger Level teams will qualify for their level’s Playoffs
- Trades: There will be two trade windows—Trade Window #1 (Wednesday, 22nd January to Saturday, 15th February), and Trade Window #2 (from the conclusion of Challenger Level Free Agency to Monday, 14th July)
- Mid-Season Tournament: Regular season standings points will be earned by each level’s top three finishers
- Waiver Wire: There will only be one waiver wire period in 2025, following MLP Salt Lake City (regular season event #5). Only players under UPA contract will be eligible to be claimed on waivers
- Scoring: MLP will utilise side out scoring for doubles matches and will maintain the DreamBreaker format (rally scoring to 21, switch every 4 points) as the fifth game
- Injured Reserve: If a player is placed on IR, they will be ineligible to play for the remainder of the season
- Player Loans: Will no longer exist as an avenue for player acquisition, as a result of expanded Premier rosters
Additional information and details about the 2025 MLP season—including individual event and team-by-team season schedules—will be shared shortly.
