Did you know that pickleball is a professional sport?

ORLANDO, Fla. – Here is something that might surprise you: pickleball is a professional sport. Yes, you are reading that right. America’s fastest-growing sport has an elite group of players who get drafted, traded and play for paychecks.

Major League Pickleball (MLP) brings together top-ranked men and women to play in innovative team-based competitions. There are 24 teams split across two levels.

The Premier Level consists of 48 of the most in-demand players in all of professional pickleball divided among teams in 12 cities. The Challenger Level consists of up-and-comers. Each team drafts four new players each year.

The Orlando Squeeze, based in Orlando, are in the Premier Level. In early April, they drafted a brand new team. Meet the players below:

Federico Stakstrud (11th in MLP draft)

Vivienne David (20th pick in MLP draft)

Parris Todd (25th pick in MLP draft)

Tyson McGuffin (Jay Devilliers traded to Utah Black Diamonds)

The first MLP event of 2024 is scheduled for May 9-12 in Atlanta. Click here to learn more about how to get tickets and to take a look at the upcoming professional pickleball schedule.

According to MLP, the Orlando Squeeze was formed in 2023 by the Devos Family, owners of the Orlando Magic National Basketball Association Franchise.