The long-awaited merger between Major League Pickleball and PPA Tour is now complete.

The merger between Major League Pickleball (MLP) and the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour has finally been completed, marking a significant milestone for the sport. The two largest pickleball organizations have come together to create a holding company, although they will maintain their own distinct brands and formats.

This merger has been a long time coming and is expected to have a positive impact on the future of professional pickleball. Not only does it bring together over 150 professional pickleball players, including some of the top-ranked players in the world, but it also infuses $75 million in new capital into the sport. The investment comes from a group that includes private equity firm SC Holdings, D.C. Pickleball Team owner Al Tylis, PPA Tour owners Tom Dundon and the Pardoe Family, as well as existing MLP team owners.

For players, this merger means new multiyear contracts and an expanded calendar that combines PPA Tour and MLP events throughout the year. Combined payouts under the new unified organization are expected to increase nearly 250% compared to last year. However, some players have expressed skepticism about receiving payment for past tournaments and are waiting to see if the merger delivers on its promises.

From a commercial standpoint, this merger is expected to benefit players, fans, and sponsors alike. With a streamlined schedule, sponsors, broadcast partners, venue operators, and equipment manufacturers can all take advantage of the combined events in 2024. Bruce Popko, CEO of MLP, highlights the potential for better partnerships with these stakeholders.

The road to this merger has not been without its challenges. The initial agreement was announced in September 2023 but faced setbacks due to a bitter falling out between the two organizations. This led to a competitive arms race for players, with both leagues offering huge contracts to entice professionals. However, they later had to backtrack and ask players to take pay cuts due to their excessive spending.

MLP also experienced internal changes during this time, with its founder Steve Kuhn resigning and newly appointed CEO Julian DePietro and Commissioner Brooks Wiley both departing. Despite these obstacles, the merger has finally come to fruition, bringing hope and excitement to the world of pickleball.

In conclusion, the merger between Major League Pickleball and the Professional Pickleball Association marks a new era for the sport. With a holding company formed, the two organizations will work together to shape the future of professional pickleball. The infusion of capital and the consolidation of top players under one unified organization are expected to have a positive impact on the sport’s growth. While challenges were faced along the way, this merger offers a promising outlook for players, fans, sponsors, and the overall pickleball community.