Updates to the First Week of the 2025 Major League Pickleball Rankings
The 2025 Major League Pickleball season began with surprises and confirmations, standing out as a true sporting spectacle. With 16 Premier-level teams in action, the first week was full of intense competition and predictable results.
The Disparity Between the Teams: Favorites and Threats
From the start of the season, the distinction between the top teams and the smaller teams was evident. The Dallas Flash , New Jersey 5s , and St. Louis Shock teams showed their strength, confirming expectations that they would be the main contenders for the title.
The Dallas Flash , in particular, had a dominant performance, winning four games without losing a single series. On the other hand, teams like the Phoenix Flames and New York Hustlers failed to win, confirming predictions that they would finish at the bottom of the standings.
Although the disparity between the teams has been criticized, it is not uncommon in professional sports leagues. Just as in Major League Baseball , where some teams excel while others struggle to remain competitive, Major League Pickleball is no exception.
Impacts of the New Side-Out Scoring Rule
The introduction of side-out scoring has brought significant changes to the dynamics of the games. With more predictable results, the new rule seems to favor the stronger teams, those who managed to impose their game throughout the week.
Although we still need more data to fully assess the impact of this change, the predictability of results was one of the most discussed aspects. The new rule also introduced more strategic layers, forcing players to adapt to different positions on the court.
Furthermore, the familiarity of side-outs with a wider audience can help increase the sport's popularity by making the games more accessible to new fans.
The Rise of Jorja Johnson
Among the week's individual highlights, Jorja Johnson shone brightly. With an impeccable 8-0 individual record, she showed why she is one of the most promising players on the circuit.
Her performance not only secured important victories for the Dallas Flash , but also solidified her position as one of the league's top players.
With recent achievements on the PPA Tour , Jorja is quickly establishing herself as one of the best pickleball players today.
The Controversy of Court Colors: Good Idea, Questionable Execution
The choice of court colors in Orlando generated considerable discussion among fans and players. With a combination of vibrant orange and light blue, ball visibility was a point of contention raised by many.
Despite the criticism, the host team, Orlando Squeeze , did a good job of creating a lively and engaging atmosphere for the games. It is hoped that other teams will follow suit, but with more attention to color choices.
Even with its questionable execution, the idea of customizing the courts is a positive step toward strengthening team identity and improving the spectator experience.
Injury Replacement System: A Puzzle
The injury substitution system remains an enigma for many. With the expansion to six-player rosters, it was expected that all athletes would participate in events, but that was not the case in the first week.
When Hunter Johnson was injured, the LA Mad Drops had to call on AJ Koller, raising questions about the effectiveness of the current system. The league needs to consider adjustments to ensure that all players can contribute during tournaments.
While the current system still presents challenges, it offers flexibility for teams, but the expectation is that future adjustments will improve replacement logistics.
