Major League Pickleball unveils its 2026 schedule and a magical stop at Disney World!

Major League Pickleball (MLP) has officially released its full schedule for the 2026 season , revealing a series of exciting events that will run from late May to late August across the United States.

For the first time in league history, a stop will be held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida , adding a touch of magic to the season, to the point that there are already jokes that Mickey Mouse might even make a splash! 🐭🎾 

A rich and structured calendar

The 2026 MLP season will begin in Dallas, Texas , from May 22 to 25 , with the return of the team action that was so popular in 2025. This first stage will take place at the Pickler Universe , a venue that has become essential for the start of the league's season. 

The regular events, which span several weekends, will allow the 22 teams to compete in thrilling matches throughout the season. The schedule includes stops in Columbus (Ohio) , St. Louis (Missouri) , Austin (Texas) , and St. Pete Athletic (Florida) . 

The (non-exhaustive) list of key steps:

• Dallas, TX : May 22-25
• Columbus, OH : May 28-31
• St. Louis, MO : June 4-7
• Austin, TX : June 11-14
• St. Petersburg, FL : June 18-21
• New York, NY : June 25-28
• Grand Rapids, MI : Mid-season tournament (early July)
• Walt Disney World, FL : July 30 to August 2 (Grand Premiere!)
• Playoffs and finals : August in several cities including San Diego and New York 

A magical stop at Disney World

The real novelty of the 2026 MLP season is the open stop at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort , from July 30 to August 2. This is the first time the league has held a competition at this iconic venue , which hosts numerous professional sporting events. 

This strategic choice aims to combine professional pickleball with the family-friendly and festive atmosphere of Disney , allowing fans of all ages to enjoy both the competition and the attractions. Some fans are already joking: with all these trips to Disney, Mickey Mouse himself might turn pro in MLP if he keeps up the training!

Season format and playoffs

The regular season will take place mainly between May and August , with games scheduled from Thursday to Sunday, a format that had already proven successful in 2025 in terms of attendance and public engagement. 

MLP will also incorporate amateur competitions such as MiLP (Minor League Pickleball) and Jr. MLP , giving young and emerging teams the opportunity to compete in the same arenas as the pros. 

After the regular season, the playoffs will span three weeks , including stops in Dallas , San Diego , and will conclude with the final championship in New York City at the end of August , in an iconic location for professional pickleball. 

What this schedule means for pickleball

The 2026 schedule confirms the upward trajectory of MLP and pickleball in general. The addition of a stop at Disney World is not only a first for the league; it also illustrates the growing interest of major platforms and tourist destinations in this rapidly expanding sport. 

This dynamic formula, a mix of team events, integrated amateurs and spectacular stages, should enhance the league's appeal to fans and the media, while helping to make pickleball a major sporting event in the United States and beyond .