ORLANDO — Clear your calendar – Major League Pickleball’s season opener, MLP Orlando, is taking over the USTA National Campus in Lake Nona from April 24 to 27. This four-day event brings together the top teams in the league for high-stakes competition, electric rallies, and a fan experience designed for everyone – from die-hards to first-timers.
Pickleball fever is sweeping the nation, and Orlando is right in the thick of it thanks to the Orlando Squeeze, one of Major League Pickleball’s (MLP) most exciting teams. Born out of the sport’s rapid growth and MLP’s 2023 expansion, the Squeeze are more than just a team – they’re a vibrant reflection of Orlando’s energy, community spirit, and love for competition.
The Squeeze have deep roots in the Central Florida community. They were formed in 2023 by local sports executive and philanthropist Ryan DeVos along with other members of the DeVos family. The sports business is a long-time passion for the DeVos family, as they have been stewards of the Orlando Magic since 1991 – solidifying them as one of the longest-tenured ownership groups in the National Basketball Association.
In their inaugural season, the Squeeze not only clinched a championship title, but also played a pivotal role in elevating pickleball’s presence in Central Florida and beyond.
Off the court, they’ve been building a passionate local fan base, hosting events and exhibition matches across the city, and putting Orlando on the pickleball map. With the No. 1 player in the world on their roster, a wide collection of fresh merchandise, and an energy to match, the Squeeze know how to bring the juice.
MLP has transformed pickleball from a backyard pastime into a nationally recognized professional sport. The league features the top players in the world competing in an unique fast-paced, coed format that includes women’s doubles, men’s doubles, and two mixed doubles games, with ties broken by a thrilling singles tiebreaker called a “dreambreaker.” With 16 Premier Level teams and a growing fan base, MLP offers a season packed with 10 regular-season events, a Mid-Season Tournament, playoffs, and the prestigious MLP Cup in November.
How to Catch MLP Orlando:
Where: USTA National Campus
10000 USTA Blvd, Orlando, FL 32827
When: April 24-27, 2025
Schedule:
Friday, April 25, 2025
11:00 a.m. ET – SoCal Hard Eights vs. Orlando Squeeze
5:15 p.m. – Phoenix Flames vs. Orlando Squeeze
Saturday, April 26, 2025
12:45 p.m. – Utah Black Diamonds vs. Orlando Squeeze
5:30 p.m. – Orlando Squeeze vs. DC Pickleball Team
Sunday, April 27, 2025
12:45 p.m. – Orlando Squeeze vs. LA Mad Drops
Whether you’re a pickleball fanatic or just curious about the sport, MLP Orlando is the perfect chance to see world-class talent in action, get up close with the players, and experience the community that’s made this sport a cultural phenomenon. Hosted by your hometown team, the Orlando Squeeze, this season opener marks the beginning of a season-long battle for the coveted title of MLP Champion.
All the action kicks off with the Court Crossover Pickleball Exhibition, benefitting the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation. Watch former Orlando Magic legends like Rashard Lewis, Terrence Ross and more team up with Squeeze pickleball pros to try and take home the win! This event is free and takes place Thursday, April 24 at 6 p.m. Learn more at OrlandoSqueeze.com/court
There’s no better way to get the season started than right here in Orlando! Come see what Major League Pickleball is all about. We can’t wait to see you there cheering on your hometown team.
Learn more about the Orlando Squeeze and purchase tickets to MLP Orlando at OrlandoSqueeze.com
ADVERTISEMENT. Orlando Weekly news staff was not involved in the creation of this content.
This article appears in Apr 16-22, 2025.