Major League Pickleball is back and it looks very, very different this year. Here’s an excellent breakdown of the most significant changes from Anna Bright.

There will be nine regular season events, a mid-season tournament, and expanded playoffs that spans three full weekends. Here’s the full 2026 MLP schedule:

There are two events at Pickler Universe in Dallas, TX which is exciting for several reasons — (a) it’s within easy driving distance of Wichita, where we live; and (b) there is an official the Dink Minor League pickleball tournament the same weekend, which means average Joes like you and I can both spectate and participate. This is super exciting!

The first one in Dallas is a regular season tournament at the end of May and it’s the very first one for the 2026 so it’s the event that will kick off and set the tone for MLP 2026. The second one is the first weekend of playoffs. I’m going to out of the country for the August event, unfortunately, but I hope I can find a way to make the May one.

The other tournament that’s within driving distance is the St. Louis, MO one which will be held at Chaifetz Arena. This one does not have an MiLP component so it’s strictly for spectators. It’s exciting but not as cool if you’re looking to be part of the action.

What about you? Are you as excited for the start of MLP as I am? Who are your favorite teams and what events are you most looking forward to watching?