Major League Pickleball Playoffs: What You Need to Know

Welcome, pickleball fans! Here’s everything you need to know about the Major League Pickleball playoffs. If you're already in the loop, pass this on to a friend so they can join in on the excitement. Watch the video on Instagram!

The Playoffs Rundown

After ten regular season events over four months, we’re down to the top ten Premier Level teams and all six Challenger Level squads, battling for a shot at the title.

Playoffs kick off this weekend, from August 15th to 17th in San Diego. The Premier Level winners will advance to New York City for the semifinals and finals at CityPickle in Central Park, taking place August 22nd to 24th. Meanwhile, in the Challenger Level, the champion secures promotion to Premier Level in 2026.

Premier Level Format

The action starts with two single elimination play-in matches, much like the NBA:

#7 Texas Ranchers vs. #10 Miami Pickleball Club

#8 Orlando Squeeze vs. #9 Utah Black Diamonds

The 7-seed actually got to choose their opponent between the 9 or 10 seed. These are single-match eliminations — win and you’re in the quarters, lose and you’re done.

Quarterfinals are best two out of three, with higher seeds reaping "home field" perks like reacting to lineups and choosing side or serve. The victorious four in the quarterfinals then head to New York.

Challenger Level Format

The top two seeds receive a bye. First-round matchups are as follows:

#3 California Black Bears vs. #6 Florida Smash

#4 D.C. Pickleball Team vs. #5 Bay Area Breakers

It's simple — lose and you’re out. Semis and finals happen right there in San Diego, with the winner getting promoted to the Premier Level next year.

Premier Level Storylines to Watch

#1 St. Louis Shock: With a 24-1 record and led by Anna Bright and Hayden Patriquin, they are eyeing redemption after falling in the semis last year.

#2 Dallas Flash: Defending champs, two straight titles under their belt, powered by Jorja Johnson.

#3 New Jersey 5s: Creating buzz with their trade for Noe Khlif and my benching as captain Zane Navratil — will it pay off?

#4 Brooklyn Pickleball Club: Finally back to full strength after Riley Newman and Dekel Bar's recoveries.

#5 Columbus Sliders: With a month-long break, will they be rested or rusty?

#6 LA Mad Drops: Adding Ben Johns late in the season — a potentially formidable yet largely untested squad.

#7 Ranchers: Christian Alshon makes his return after a mysterious absence in Salt Lake City.

#8 Squeeze: Undefeated at 3-0 in DreamBreakers.

#9 Black Diamonds: Etta Tuionetoa’s addition has turned them into a formidable opponent.

#10 Miami: Having played just five matches post-trades, they are entering as massive underdogs.

The Final Word

San Diego is gearing up to be electric, with proven champions, revamped rosters, and underdogs ready to shake up the bracket. By Sunday night, we'll know who’s booking their flights to New York for the final showdown. Buckle up — it's going to be one intense weekend!