05/21/2026
The "Founding Franchise vs. Northern Rivals" Update
If you noticed we pulled down our last post—good eye. 👀 We had to hit the brakes and update the tape because the latest roster drops and insights for the 2026 MLP Season completely change how we look at the game!
The season officially kicks off tomorrow, Friday, May 22nd at 11:00 AM CT on PickleballTV up in Dallas, and we have a massive Lone Star rivalry on our hands. Texas has two absolute powerhouse franchises on the board this year: the northern Dallas Flash (backed by Mark Cuban) and our next-door neighbors, the Austin-based Texas Ranchers!
A lot of people think the Austin squad is the newest group on the block because of how much noise they’re making—but they’re actually one of MLP's original, founding franchises from 2021! 🤠 What makes them feel brand new is a totally revamped 2026 roster and an absolutely insane, star-studded celebrity ownership group that includes Scottie Scheffler, Lil Wayne, Zach Bryan, Kendra Scott, and Micah Parsons.
And here is the big strategic shift for the 2026 season: The four-player roster era is officially over. 🤯
To give coaches massive tactical flexibility for substitutions and matchups, MLP expanded rosters to six full players per team (3 men, 3 women)—and everyone is eligible to take the court. Following a crazy flurry of recent trade windows, these final, official lineups are completely stacked:
🇨🇱 The Austin Squad (Texas Ranchers):
• Dylan Frazier (The blockbuster off-season trade acquisition)
• Lea Jansen
• Eric Oncins
• Layne Sleeth
• Ava Cavataio
• Matthew Barlow
⚡ The Northern Rivals (Dallas Flash):
• JW Johnson (The stone-cold general)
• "Hurricane" Tyra Black
• Augie Ge
• Brooke Buckner (Massive new trade addition!)
• Ivan Jakovljevic
• Albie Huang
The weather outside this holiday weekend might be looking a little soggy for outdoor play, but the on-screen action running Friday straight through Monday is going to be pure heat. ⚡📺
Best of all? This weekend is just the kickoff. Look down the official tour schedule: after stops in Columbus and St. Louis, MLP is landing right here in AUSTIN from June 11th–14th! 🏡🎾 The race to our home turf starts tomorrow morning.
💬 WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU:
Calling out all of our Pickleball Travelers Club Texans—are you riding with the star-powered, Austin-based Texas Ranchers as they build momentum for the home tourney, or are you backing the Dallas Flash this weekend?
Whether you're rooting for a specific team or a player from these full six-player lineups, drop your allegiance and predictions in the comments below! 👇