The numbers don't lie, and neither do the rosters.
Right now, across 20 teams in the world's biggest professional pickleball league, there are players who once stepped onto an MLP Australia court. Players who came through our draft, competed in our events, stood under our lights. And now they're doing it at the highest level the sport has to offer.
We've always said this league is the real deal. The 2026 Major League Pickleball season is the proof.
Follow along at majorleaguepickleball.co
The Players
Columbus Sliders — Danni-Elle Townsend
The Coaster's own. Danni-Elle was the #3 overall pick in the 2026 MLP USA Draft — drafted at $180,000. Let that sink in. She didn't just make a roster; she was one of the most sought-after players in the entire league. MLPA fans knew what she was capable of long before the bidding war.
California Black Bears — Sahra Dennehy
Pacific Flame energy, all the way to California. Sahra Dennehy is now suiting up for the California Black Bears in 2026, a pick that reflects just how highly regarded she's become on the global stage. She brought that fire to our courts and she's bringing it to the US.
California Black Bears — Joseph Wild
Joseph Wild's time in MLPA clearly made an impression, and the now Captain of the Brisbane Breakers is also adding to the Black Bears line-up. He's on the California Black Bears, adding to a growing list of players who used Australia as a launchpad.
Las Vegas Night Owls — Liz Truluck
One of the sharpest players to set foot on MLPA courts during Season 2, Liz Truluck is now on one of MLP USA's elite rosters alongside Blaine Hovenier and Callie Smith. She showed us what top-tier talent looks like up close — and she left an impression.
Chicago Slice — Ting Chieh Wei
Ting Chieh Wei brought serious game to MLPA before earning a spot on the Chicago Slice in the 2026 MLP USA season. A player who thrives under pressure and proved it on Australian courts.
SoCal Hard Eights — Armaan Bhatia
Armaan is one of the exciting young talents who competed in MLPA and has since cemented himself on the SoCal Hard Eights roster. Fast hands, big upside — MLPA fans saw it coming.
Dallas Flash — Albie Huang
Albie Huang is suiting up for the Dallas Flash in 2026. Another MLPA alumnus making their mark on the biggest stage the sport has to offer. The former Melbourne Mav made her mark with power, energy, and pure competitiveness.
Florida Smash — Paula Rives Palau
Paula represented the Bondi Pickleball Club in MLPA 2025 before joining the Florida Smash for the 2026 MLP USA season. She took everything our league had to offer and brought it stateside.
Miami Pickleball Club — Aiko Yoshitomi
A fan favourite across multiple MLPA seasons with the Asia Aces, Aiko's dedication and skill level never went unnoticed. She's now a Miami Pickleball Club player in MLP USA 2026.
Singed Alumni Players
George Wall, Lucas Pascoe, Aryaan Bhatia, Caden Nemoff and Olivia McMillan.
What This Means for You
This isn't a coincidence. It's a pattern.
MLP Australia has become a genuine pathway. A place where elite players hone their game, discover the team format, and put themselves in front of the world. If you're serious about where this sport can take you, the next step starts at our Draft Day on July 22, 2026.
Who's next? Maybe you. Applications close June 30, 2026.
Registrations open now at https://majorleaguepickleball.net.au/mlpa2026/
