Articles & News

MLP St. Louis Preview 2026: Teams, Group Predictions, Key Matches & Super Sunday Picks

The 2026 Major League Pickleball season rolls into St. Louis with championship contenders, crucial group battles, and a hometown team looking to capitalize on home-court advantage. From the Los Angeles Mad Drops and St. Louis Shock to the Palm Beach Royals and Orlando Squeeze, we break down the teams, the key matchups, and the storylines that could define the weekend at Chaifetz Arena.

Tama Shimabukuro and Armaan Bhatia Take Over Macao at PPA Asia 500

The Fives Did It Again: New Jersey Sweeps St. Louis to Win MLP Columbus 2026

New Jersey came to Columbus with something to prove. They left with the belt, 25 standings points, and another statement victory. Behind Anna Leigh Waters, Noe Khlif, and a team that continues to thrive under pressure, the Fives swept St. Louis Shock 3-0 to capture the MLP Columbus title and remind the league exactly who they're chasing.

New Jersey Sweeps Columbus as St. Louis Advances to MLP Columbus Final

New Jersey 5s delivered a statement performance in Columbus, sweeping the defending champion Sliders 4-0 behind standout play from Anna Leigh Waters and Noe Khlif. Meanwhile, St. Louis Shock handled Palm Beach Royals to set up a highly anticipated championship showdown on Super Sunday at MLP Columbus 2026.

The Todd Factor: How Columbus Sliders Defeated Miami at MLP Columbus 2026

Parris Todd returned to the Columbus Sliders lineup and immediately made her presence felt. In a hard-fought battle against Miami Pickleball Club, led by Nico Acevedo, Columbus overcame early pressure and survived a DreamBreaker to secure one of its most important wins of MLP Columbus 2026.

When Hollywood Entered the Court: How Pickleball Became a Lifestyle Movement

EXCERPT Hollywood didn’t just embrace pickleball — it transformed it into a lifestyle. From Jamie Foxx’s private celebrity gatherings to Eva Longoria’s investments and the growing presence of stars across Los Angeles, the sport has evolved far beyond recreation. In today’s Hollywood culture, pickleball is no longer just a game. It’s networking, status and social identity.

The Kids Are No Longer Waiting: The Young Stars Already Changing Major League Pickleball

MLP Dallas 2026 may have marked the official beginning of pickleball’s generational shift. From Tama Shimabukuro and Cam Chaffin to CJ Klinger, Tardio, Alexa Schull, Elsie Hendershot, and John Lucian Goins, a new wave of young talent is no longer waiting for the future — they’re already becoming part of the league’s present.

Dallas Duel: 5 Questions That Defined the Opening Weekend of MLP 2026

MLP 2026 opened in Dallas with elite-level pickleball, superstar duos, rising young talent, and a statement performance from the LA Mad Drops. From Ben Johns’ leadership to the chemistry of Anna Leigh Waters and Jorja Johnson, the season’s first stop delivered intensity, pressure, and one clear message: this league has never been deeper.

Who’s Stealing the Show at MLP 2026? Part 2: CJ Klinger

CJ Klinger may look quiet and reserved off the court, but the 18-year-old is quickly becoming one of the most electric young players in MLP 2026. His energy, fearless style and connection with the crowd are impossible to ignore.