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've 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 3 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)

It's easier to understand if you think of it not as one being superior to the other, but as 2 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 Tip Remember it like this in 3 letters: UPA = "operations" of pro tours (umbrella for PPA/MLP) / UPA-A = "certification" of paddles. While their names differ by only 1 letter, one is about events, the other about endorsing equipment. Their roles are completely different.

How to watch from Japan

You can watch highlights and full match replays for free from Japan, too, on the official YouTube channels. Try searching for "PPA Tour" or "Major League Pickleball." I've covered how to watch from Japan and the time differences in our Pickleball Spectator's Guide. 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)
• Match highlights and full match replays can be watched from Japan, too, on the official YouTube channels

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?.

Related Products

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Related Articles

• 5 Top PPA Tour Pro Players to Watch — Who are the top players?
• Trends in Paddles Used by Top International Pros — Pro gear selection
• Will Pickleball Become an Olympic Sport? — The sport's global status
• Differences between USAP certification and UPA-A certification — The two certifications
• Complete Guide to Pickleball Rules — Pre-game study for spectators

References

1. PPA Tour Official Website
2. Major League Pickleball Official Website
3. The Dink Pickleball — The UPA and pro contracts, explained