We did it! Enhanced Replay Cameras are Coming

Bye, bye potato cams

Did Connor finally hear our cries? Did he listen to our groveling? Did we finally get through to him?

It was a collective effort, we’ll say, but all the begging (and, perhaps, a boat load of controversy over sketchy calls made on fuzzy camera screens) finally paid off!

Last month, we all saw— with spectacular clarity— what could be if a high-quality enhanced instant replay system were implemented for events. Connor saw it, too, and commended the quality on X:

We wrote a (desperate?) plea to Connor in an open letter, asking him to consider hiring Close Call Replay for future events.

WE DID IT.

In a note to players and staff last week, UPA leadership confirmed that a deal had been struck with Close Call Replay to provide line camera and instant replay services, just like those at BCO.

Take a look at the difference we’re about to experience:

Can we just say, it’s about time? It’s about time we get crystal clear view for refs to make legitimate review challenges. Perhaps the days of sketchy overturned calls made on iPhone-sized screens, partially obscured by net signage, are behind us.

We do have to wait for another month - the new system will be put in place starting September 1st, and includes both PPA and MLP events.

Even so, thank you Connor. Thanks for listening to our plea.

MLP Fires Player Liaison

Working mostly out of the public eye, MLP player relations director Dani Apted was released from her contract. Word is, this was a money move to reduce duplicative roles across MLP and PPA. Apted was beloved among the player community as someone who always looked out for the best interests of MLP players during events. This news was first reported by Rob Nunnery on Twitter (X)

In her place, Liv Borski will take over player relations for MLP, having performed that role for the PPA tour.

Amateur event added to MLP events

It’s a big month for changes: starting in September, select MLP events will now have amateur team-style Minor League Pickleball events played alongside the pro competition. MLP announced on July 22 that these MiLP competitions (also made up of teams of 2 men and 2 women) will begin at MLP Virginia Beach. Event dates are:

Sep 28-29 in Virginia Beach, VA (Pickleball Virginia Beach) – Minor League Pickleball at MLP Virginia Beach

Oct 26-27 in Miami, FL (Miami Fairgrounds) – Minor League Pickleball at MLP Miami

Nov 23-24 in Orlando, FL (USTA National Campus) – Minor League Pickleball at MLP Orlando

Dec 13-15 in Fenton, MO (Missouri Pickleball Club) – Minor League Pickleball National Championship

There have already been dozens of MiLP events hosted nationwide this year, but this is the first time they will be situated at the same time and place as Major League competitions, mirroring PPA’s “Play Where the Pros Play” philosophy.

MiLP will be broken into six DUPR-based divisions, with team combined scores of 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22. Winning teams will get a “Dream Ticket” qualifying them to play in the 2024 Minor League Pickleball National Championship, which offers $50,000 in total prize money across these six divisions.

JOIN US AT MLP Kansas City

You love using our KOTC code with all our partners, and now you can use it to purchase spectator tickets for MLP and PPA events, and for amateur registration at PPA tour stops.