Following the announcement that Samin Odhwani is stepping down as Major League Pickleball (MLP) Commissioner to join Apollo Sports Capital, the search for his successor has become a focal point for the sport. Journalist Erik Tice suggests that the league’s rapid development may necessitate a dual-leadership approach, splitting the workload between a high-level Commissioner and a hands-on Deputy Commissioner.
Top 10 Candidates for MLP Commissioner
While these candidates are speculative and not confirmed finalists, Tice highlights these 10 individuals as logical fits based on their experience in sports governance, media rights, and league operations:
- George Killebrew: Currently the UPA Chief Revenue Officer, Killebrew is viewed as the most logical choice due to his previous tenure as Commissioner of Major League Rugby, where he secured national FOX Sports deals, and his two decades as a senior executive for the Dallas Mavericks.
- Chris Patrick: As the current Chief Business Officer and President of International for Pickleball Inc., Patrick possesses deep knowledge of the league’s internal machinery, player contracts, and legal matters, making him a strong candidate for a leadership role.
- Stacey Allaster: A transformational candidate, Allaster is the former WTA Chairman and CEO who successfully negotiated a $525 million media-rights deal. She offers extensive experience in expanding production and international rights.
- Brian Levine: A veteran of the sports media landscape, Levine brings significant expertise in navigating complex media-rights negotiations and large-scale sports business strategy.
- Laurel Richie: Known for her tenure as the President of the WNBA, Richie brings high-level experience in managing a professional sports league, driving brand growth, and overseeing league-wide operations.
- Oliver Luck: A seasoned sports executive, Luck has held high-ranking positions in the NFL, NCAA, and XFL. His background in league governance and competition structure would provide immediate stability to MLP.
- Katrina Adams: The former President and CEO of the USTA, Adams offers a wealth of experience in tennis administration and player relations, which translates well to the growing professional pickleball ecosystem.
- Chris Cantino: An expert in digital strategy and modern sports marketing, Cantino represents the type of forward-thinking candidate who could help the league optimize its social media reach and digital footprint.
- Taylor Loomis: Loomis is recognized for his ability to bridge the gap between traditional sports business and emerging digital platforms, a skill set increasingly vital for the next phase of professional pickleball.
- Mike Whan: As the current CEO of the USGA and former LPGA Commissioner, Whan has a proven track record of growing professional sports properties and managing relationships with diverse stakeholders.
Tice emphasizes that the league’s future success may depend on hiring a Commissioner to focus on big-picture priorities—such as international expansion, media-rights deals, and sports betting—while a Deputy Commissioner manages the day-to-day realities of player relations, competition structure, and internal operations.
