MLP and the PPA Tour: How Professional Pickleball Works Abroad in 5 Minutes

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2026年6月12日

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MLP and the PPA Tour: How Professional Pickleball Works Abroad in 5 Minutes

"I want to watch a professional game, but PPA? MLP? What's the difference?"—This is for you. Once you understand the system, watching becomes much more interesting.

I'm Coach Yoshi. I played tennis for 15 years and got hooked on pickleball in 2026. At first, I was also confused, thinking, "PPA? MLP? Which is which?" In the US, it's rapidly growing as a professional sport, and top players earn a living from prize money. Today, I'll clarify the difference between the central PPA Tour and MLP in 5 minutes, using tennis as an analogy.

Overseas Professionals Under the "UPA" Umbrella

First, the big picture. In 2024, the two major organizations, the PPA Tour and MLP, merged and came under the umbrella of the UPA (United Pickleball Association). In tennis terms, it's like separate tournament series consolidating into a single governing body.

However, even after the merger, the two organizations continue to operate while maintaining their distinct identities. Many of the world's top players primarily compete in tours under the UPA, making it the center of the professional scene.

What is the PPA Tour? (Individual Tournament Tour)

The PPA Tour (Professional Pickleball Association) is, so to speak, the equivalent of tennis's ATP/WTA Tour.

Holds 20-25 tournaments annually, primarily in the United States
Players enter individually and compete in three events: singles, doubles, and mixed doubles
Accumulate points and prize money throughout the year to contend for rankings

It's a classic tournament format where individual skill directly translates to ranking. Featured players are also introduced in 5 Top PPA Tour Pro Players to Watch.

What is MLP? (Team Competition League)

On the other hand, MLP (Major League Pickleball) is a team-based league. It's similar to professional baseball or basketball leagues.

Players are assigned to teams via a draft
Mixed-gender lineups and unique scoring formats
Emphasizes entertainment value, such as rivalries and drama throughout the season

It's designed to enjoy the "story of the team" rather than "individual strength," with the excitement of live venues being a major draw.

PPA and MLP Differences (Quick Overview)

	PPA Tour	MLP
Format	Individual tournament	Team league competition
Analogy	ATP/WTA (Tennis)	Professional baseball/basketball league
Participation	Individual entry	Team formation via draft
Highlights	Individual skill/ranking	Team story/entertainment

It's easier to understand if you think of it not as one being superior to the other, but as two different ways to enjoy pickleball under the same umbrella.

What's different about "UPA-A"?

It's easy to get confused by the similar name UPA-A (United Pickleball Association of America), but this is responsible for certifying equipment (paddles). It sets the standards for paddles that can be used in professional tours. The difference from USAP certification is explained in detail in Differences between USAP certification and UPA-A certification, so please check that out as well.

💡 Coach Yoshi's point Remember it like this in three letters: UPA = "operations" of pro tours (umbrella for PPA/MLP) / UPA-A = "certification" of paddles. While their names differ by only one letter, one is about events, the other about endorsing equipment. Their roles are completely different.

How to watch from Japan

Many matches can be viewed on official YouTube channels or streams. Searching for "PPA Tour" or "Major League Pickleball" will bring up highlights and live broadcasts. Knowing the rules will make it even more enjoyable, so for beginners, check out the Complete Guide to Pickleball Rules.

Summary

In 2024, PPA and MLP merged under the umbrella of UPA
PPA = individual tournament tour (ATP/WTA style) / MLP = team competition league (entertainment style)
UPA-A is for equipment certification (similar name but different role)
Matches can be watched from Japan via official streams

Understanding the system will make you appreciate the top players' skills even more. Trends in pro gear selection are covered in Trends in Paddles Used by Top International Pros, and the possibility of the Olympics is summarized in Will Pickleball Become an Olympic Sport?.