MLP Chicago: Dallas Flash Rolls In Hot, Chicago Slice Plays Its Last Home Card
MLP lands in Chicago for the first time this Thursday, arriving at the worst-best possible moment: just two events remain before the playoffs, and several teams are essentially playing their last shot at securing a postseason spot. From July 23-26, at the brand-new Life Time North Shore venue, Group B brings the spiciest ingredient of the weekend: Dallas Flash rolling in hot.
Dallas, eyes on climbing even higher
Just a month ago, Dallas looked out of the race. Today they arrive in Chicago with a 12-4 record since making their June trades, carrying the title they just won in San Diego after beating the Columbus Sliders 3-1 in the final. The team led by JW Johnson, Augie Ge, and Danni-Elle Townsend now has something it didn't have weeks ago: real momentum, and the confidence of knowing they can beat anyone in the league's Top 5 — they already proved it against LA Mad Drops and Columbus last weekend.
Chicago Slice plays its last home card
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On the other side, this is a story of urgency. Chicago Slice gets to play in its own city for the first time in this format's history — and MLP's own release doesn't hide it: they're counting on their home crowd's energy to keep their playoff hopes alive. With only two events left before the postseason, this weekend carries far more weight than usual for them.
Who else is in the mix
Group B is rounded out by Atlanta Bouncers (coming off good momentum from San Diego), Las Vegas Night Owls, SoCal Hard Eights, and Utah Black Diamonds — the latter facing extra pressure, needing results now after an inconsistent stretch of the season.
On the Group A side: Brooklyn Pickleball Team, California Black Bears, Miami Pickleball Club, Phoenix Flames, and Texas Ranchers are fighting their own path toward the final stretch.
The bigger picture: the countdown to playoffs
Zooming out: Columbus Sliders and LA Mad Drops have already mathematically clinched playoff spots and aren't even playing this event — Columbus, in fact, has already wrapped its entire regular season. St. Louis Shock, riding a 15-match win streak, also isn't in Chicago this week. That leaves the court open for teams like Dallas and Chicago Slice to fight for crucial standings points without the league's giants looming over them.
After Chicago, only Orlando remains (July 30-August 2) before the playoffs kick off in Dallas on August 7.
How to watch
All matches stream on Pickleballtv and its app. On Sunday, July 26, Championship Court action will also air on Tennis Channel (1-5 PM ET) and MSG Network (11 AM-5 PM ET).
MLP lands in Chicago for the first time this Thursday, arriving at the worst-best possible moment: just two events remain before the playoffs, and several teams are essentially playing their last shot at securing a postseason spot. From July 23-26, at the brand-new Life Time North Shore venue, Group B brings the spiciest ingredient of the weekend: Dallas Flash rolling in hot.
Dallas, eyes on climbing even higher
Just a month ago, Dallas looked out of the race. Today they arrive in Chicago with a 12-4 record since making their June trades, carrying the title they just won in San Diego after beating the Columbus Sliders 3-1 in the final. The team led by JW Johnson, Augie Ge, and Danni-Elle Townsend now has something it didn't have weeks ago: real momentum, and the confidence of knowing they can beat anyone in the league's Top 5 — they already proved it against LA Mad Drops and Columbus last weekend.
Chicago Slice plays its last home card
LOVE PICKLEBALL?
Get Dink Authority Magazine updates, new editions, pro stories and event alerts.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.
On the other side, this is a story of urgency. Chicago Slice gets to play in its own city for the first time in this format's history — and MLP's own release doesn't hide it: they're counting on their home crowd's energy to keep their playoff hopes alive. With only two events left before the postseason, this weekend carries far more weight than usual for them.
Who else is in the mix
Group B is rounded out by Atlanta Bouncers (coming off good momentum from San Diego), Las Vegas Night Owls, SoCal Hard Eights, and Utah Black Diamonds — the latter facing extra pressure, needing results now after an inconsistent stretch of the season.
On the Group A side: Brooklyn Pickleball Team, California Black Bears, Miami Pickleball Club, Phoenix Flames, and Texas Ranchers are fighting their own path toward the final stretch.
The bigger picture: the countdown to playoffs
Zooming out: Columbus Sliders and LA Mad Drops have already mathematically clinched playoff spots and aren't even playing this event — Columbus, in fact, has already wrapped its entire regular season. St. Louis Shock, riding a 15-match win streak, also isn't in Chicago this week. That leaves the court open for teams like Dallas and Chicago Slice to fight for crucial standings points without the league's giants looming over them.
After Chicago, only Orlando remains (July 30-August 2) before the playoffs kick off in Dallas on August 7.
How to watch
All matches stream on Pickleballtv and its app. On Sunday, July 26, Championship Court action will also air on Tennis Channel (1-5 PM ET) and MSG Network (11 AM-5 PM ET).
