Major League Pickleball Teams Exchange Franchise Names Ahead of 2025 Season

Major League Pickleball Teams Confirm Franchise Name Swap

In a bold move that has captured attention across the sports community, Major League Pickleball (MLP) has announced the official exchange of franchise name rights between the D.C. Pickleball Team and the Brooklyn Aces ahead of the 2025 season. The franchises have aimed to strengthen their ties to their respective home markets, ensuring both teams are set for successful future engagements.

Details of the Name Swap

The franchise that previously competed as the D.C. Pickleball Team, guided by a talented roster that included stars like Dekel Bar and Rachel Rohrabacher, will now operate under the banner of the Brooklyn Pickleball Team. Meanwhile, the franchise that played as the Brooklyn Aces in the 2024 season will now be known as the D.C. Pickleball Team.

Al Tylis, the newly appointed Principal Owner of the Brooklyn Pickleball Team, expressed gratitude for the support received during their time in Washington, D.C. He affirmed, “We have had a great experience in D.C. and are excited about our new journey in Brooklyn, a borough rich in sports culture.” Tylis also emphasized their commitment to engaging with the D.C. community and leaving a lasting positive impact.

A New Chapter for the Teams

This transition allows both ownership groups to forge new connections within their communities. Rich Kleiman, the Principal Owner of the D.C. Pickleball Team, underscored the importance of this move, stating, “Our organization has cultivated strong roots within D.C. through our philanthropic initiatives, and migrating our pickleball team here only makes sense.” He added that this change would further enhance community outreach.

As both teams prepare for this exciting new chapter, they invite fans to remain engaged, with updates to follow regarding digital platforms and new merchandise featuring the refreshed branding. The exchange aims not only to redefine their identities but also to appeal to passion-driven local support.

Roster and Ownership Highlights

The Brooklyn Pickleball Team's ownership group is a list of high-profile names including Eva Longoria, Justin Verlander, and Odell Beckham Jr. Their roster features exceptional talents such as Rachel Rohrabacher, a former D1 tennis star turned top-ranked pickleball player. Meanwhile, the newly rebranded D.C. Pickleball Team will be supported by the Boardroom Sports Holdings group, with Kleiman and NBA superstar Kevin Durant at the helm.

What This Means for Major League Pickleball

Founded in 2021, MLP stands as a remarkable platform for professional pickleball, unified under the recent merger of MLP and the PPA Tour into the newly-formed United Pickleball Association. This name swap signifies a strategic advancement within the league as it embraces growth and enhances local fan engagement.

In conclusion, as the D.C. Pickleball Team embraces its new identity, and the Brooklyn Pickleball Team steps into its exciting future, both teams promise to deepen their commitment to fans and communities alike, making ways for even more thrilling pickleball action in the upcoming season.