Major League Pickleball (MLP) concluded its 2026 season with record-shattering growth across all business and fan engagement metrics. The season, which culminated in a landmark Finals event in New York City, saw significant surges in viewership, attendance, and commercial interest, cementing the league's status as a rapidly growing professional enterprise.
Key Performance Metrics of the 2026 Season
The 2026 campaign demonstrated substantial year-over-year growth compared to the 2025 season. The following areas highlight the league's record-breaking performance:
- Viewership Records: MLP set new viewership highs across three major networks. The NYC Finals on CBS drew 773,000 viewers, marking the second-most watched pro pickleball event in history. FS1 recorded 146,000 viewers for the Orlando regular-season finale, setting an all-time record for the network, while the Tennis Channel drew 89,000 for the NYC Finals. Additionally, minutes watched on Pickleballtv rose by 32% over 2025, totaling over 415 million minutes.
- On-Site Attendance: Attendance grew by 69% compared to the previous year, with a daily average of nearly 1,500 fans across 51 event days. The NYC Finals drew over 10,000 fans over three days, nearly doubling the league's previous record. Notably, five events averaged over 1,500 daily attendees, up from just two in 2025.
- Ticket Revenue: Driven by expanded VIP options and suite availability, ticket revenue increased by 87% compared to 2025. The NYC Finals more than doubled the revenue record previously set by the Newport Beach playoffs, and four regular-season events outperformed the 2025 single-event revenue high.
- Social Media Engagement: The league saw a 61% increase in impressions and a 106% increase in interactions compared to 2025. This growth was bolstered by new influencer partnerships and content strategies, helping the league reach 150,000 followers on Instagram.
Beyond these internal metrics, the league’s business profile reached new heights through extensive national media coverage. Outlets ranging from CNBC and Forbes to CNN and Sports Business Journal highlighted the league’s financial health, including a $225 million investment from Apollo Sports Capital and Tom Dundon. Furthermore, the season showcased technical and cultural milestones, such as the implementation of an AI officiating system by Owl AI and high-profile media features on star athlete Anna Leigh Waters, who was named to TIME’s list of the 100 Most Influential People in Sports.
