Major League Pickleball announces partnership with Owl AI to revolutionize officiating and challenges starting in 2026.
Major League Pickleball has confirmed a strategic collaboration with Owl AI, a sports technology company that is transforming how competitions are analyzed, officiated, and consumed by the public. The league will join the “Trailblazer Program,” an Owl AI initiative that provides proprietary solutions for automated on-court decision-making.
Starting in the 2026 season, MLP games will feature an electronic call system and challenge analysis operated by the Owl AI platform. This feature will work in conjunction with the league's officiating team, increasing the accuracy of calls and reducing analysis time on contested plays. According to the league, this integration should make the process more consistent and reliable throughout the competition.
MLP Commissioner Samin Odhwani emphasized that modernization is part of a strategic move by the league. He highlighted that, since its creation in 2021, MLP has sought innovations that improve the quality of the product presented on the court and enhance the experience for athletes and fans. According to Odhwani, joining forces with companies that lead technological advancement is fundamental to sustaining the accelerated growth of the sport.
On the Owl AI side, CEO Josh Gwyther celebrated the partnership and stated that the choice of MLP represents the natural alignment between two organizations that see technology as a driving force in sports. Gwyther explained that the platform was designed to offer quick and accurate responses, something essential in a dynamic sport like pickleball. He also stated that the adoption of the system should increase transparency for the public and provide a more engaging experience.
The solution developed by Owl AI uses standard broadcast cameras and applies advanced generative artificial intelligence and computer vision models to interpret each play. Unlike the complex hardware structures used in other sports, the system is entirely software-based. This allows for immediate integration with existing infrastructure and drastically reduces implementation costs, paving the way for elite technologies to become accessible to different leagues and competitive levels.
Owl AI gained prominence earlier this year when it debuted at the X Games Aspen, where its automated analyses drew attention for their ability to evaluate snowboard maneuvers, predict executions, and even assist with technical commentary during broadcasts.
The company presents itself as the first fully integrated artificial intelligence platform for sports influenced by scores, judgments, or referee decisions. Its goal is to offer a fairer, clearer, and more immersive environment for both athletes and fans.
