The Picklr MLP SLC Tournament

It’s the FINAL COUNTDOWN before the playoffs - where the teams with remaining matches get their final chance to place for optimal seeding, or make the last push past the cutoff line.

Teams playing include: Atlanta Bouncers, Chicago Slice, Miami Pickleball Club, New Jersey 5s, Orlando Squeeze, Texas Ranchers, Utah Black Diamonds, plus ALL Challenger teams.

In case you missed it… it was announced during the last few days of the trade window, that all Challenger teams will no longer all be promoted to Premier at the end of the season. Now, only the two top-finishing teams will be promoted, which completely changed the trade game and strategy for Challenger teams in this final event.

MLP SLC will be hosted at The Picklr (Kaysville) by the Utah Black Diamonds, and events start Thursday. Here are the biggest storylines of the weekend

• Thanks to the recent trades, Etta Tuionetoa has joined UBD, making them an all-Utah team, alongside Tyler, Connor, and Allyce. We’ve seen Utah crowds get rowdy for their beloved local players, and expect some rowdy fans! (Side note: Tyler is improving after his wrist surgery and expects to play all weekend)

• Miami PBC is in 10th place with 19 points, delicately clinging to their playoff berth. They’re without Noe Khlif & Milan Rane, so they’ll have a tougher time facing the Ranchers, Slice, 5s, and UBD. (They’ll be fine against the Bouncers).

• The Fives made some big changes during the trade window, benching Zane and Mari in Dallas, in favor of Noe Khlif and Meghan Dizon. They don’t have a ton on the line - they’re in 4th place, and can overtake Brooklyn for the 3-seed if they win out. The only benefit will be getting to choose their playoff opponent one spot ahead, so - you could say they’re just playing for pride at this point.

• Don’t count out the Chicago Slice. They had a surprisingly strong weekend in St. Louis, but they’ll need James & Max to step up, and basically have to beat Miami (their matchup is Thursday).

• Christian Alshon hasn’t traveled with the team, and Wyatt Stone is playing in his place for the Texas Ranchers. The Ranchers have clinched a playoff spot, so there’s nothing to lose giving Wyatt a shot, and resting Alshon.

Current Standings

Here are the comprehensive league-wide standings following MLP Dallas.

Premier

Challenger

Secure your tickets at the link below, using code KOTC for a discount!

PLAYOFFS - Mark your calendar

Episode 155:

Tour Wars 2.0? We talk through the dueling player committees, plus a recap of MLP Dallas, and of course, fan questions