The Dink has learned that the ATX Pickleballers and Milwaukee Mashers – two Major League Pickleball Challenger Level teams – have decided not to operate this year and were bought out by the newly-formed UPA (United Pickleball Association).

Adjusted 2024 Challenger Level Draft order for Wednesday's Draft:
1 Frisco Pandas
2 Chicago Slice
3 Miami Pickleball Club
4 Atlanta Bouncers
5 Florida Smash
6 Brooklyn Aces
7 SoCal Hard 8s
8 Las Vegas Night Owls
9 Bay Area Breakers
10 California Black Bears

The UPA is the newly-formed organization between the MLP and PPA.

PPA and MLP Announce New Combined Organization and Unveil New Logo

In the latest news to drop from the recent merger between the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball, it was announced on Wednesday that the two entities will combine to form the United Pickleball Association.

The Dink PickleballPeter Madden

According to sources, the UPA will attempt to resell the teams for the 2025 season, meaning that 2024 will only have 10 Challenger Level teams, but will hopefully be back to 12 (for a combined 24 MLP teams) in 2025.

It's estimated these teams will sell for $15-$20 million.

The Dink has also heard that a "California team" has reportedly sold 90 percent of its stake for approximately that amount as well, however that transaction is not official.

When teams were first purchased in 2021, investors spent between $200-500k per team.

Major League Pickleball Secures the “Johnson 5” on the Eve of the 2024 MLP Draft

In a last-minute development on the eve of the 2024 Major League Pickleball Draft, the “Johnson 5” – JW Johnson, Dylan Frazier, Jorja Johnson, Gabe Tardio, and Milan Rane – have committed to playing United Pickleball Association (MLP/PPA) for the next three years.

The Dink PickleballPeter Madden

For those keeping score at home, that's roughly a 40x investment. Not too shabby for a three-years of investment in pickleball.

Does anyone have $15 million we can borrow?