As the sport of Pickleball is grabbing its roots and the structure of the sport is still forming, it’s nice to see major Pickleball organizations aligning themselves. The merger of the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) and Major League Pickleball (MLP) is an exciting development for the sport. The combination of the two organizations will increase prize money and create a unified Pickleball league that provides more opportunities for pro players.

The most obvious benefit to come out of this merger is increased prize money. MLP owner Kuhn is a hedge fund manager who has amassed a lineup of wealthy investors, including sports celebrities like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Tom Brady, and Drew Brees. This new influx of capital gives MLP more financial resources to work with and allows them to expand the prize pool from $1 million to $2.4 million. In addition, PPA’s Dundon is a majority owner of Top Golf, Carvana, and the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes which can provide additional sponsorship opportunities for professional pickleball players in both leagues.

In terms of player opportunities, this merger means that both PPA and MLP teams will now have access to a larger pool of professional players. This means that there will be more competition for roster spots on teams across both leagues as well as more options for prospective players who may not have been able to make either team previously due to limited spots or lack of necessary funds. Additionally, with a unified league structure there will be fewer logistical issues when it comes to scheduling games between teams in different regions since all matches will take place under one system instead of two separate organizations trying to coordinate different events.

Finally, having one unified Pickleball league allows fans around the world to watch their favorite teams compete against each other in thrilling matchups while also providing much-needed exposure for the sport overall. With increased visibility comes increased interest which could lead to further sponsorships or additional funding sources down the line giving professional Pickleballers even greater earning potential in their careers.

Overall, this merger between PPA and MLP promises great things for professional Pickleballers around the world. Increased prize money and exposure are surefire ways for players to elevate their game while also making more money than ever before, but it also opens up entirely new avenues for success within the sport itself whether through sponsorships or partnerships with other organizations outside of just playing competitively themselves. It’s still too early to tell what 2023 holds for pro Pickleball but if these two billionaire owners continue investing in the sport then it looks like it’s going to be an incredibly exciting year!