Major League Pickleball Takes Over NYC with First Pro Event in the Big Apple

Pickleballers, our moment has arrived.

For the first time in history, Major League Pickleball (MLP) is making its mark on New York City from Thursday, September 19, to Sunday, September 22. Not only is this MLP's debut in NYC, but it also marks the Big Apple's first-ever professional pickleball event.

With a thrilling lineup of events and activities, MLP is pulling out all the stops to ensure this is the biggest and most unforgettable event yet.

Here’s a look at the key events happening around the city as pickleball fever sweeps Manhattan:

The Largest Ball Drop in Times Square: Vulcan Pickleball Giveaway

Wednesday, Sept. 18, at Noon (Times Square)

MLP is kicking off the festivities in grand fashion with a massive pickleball giveaway in Times Square. Starting at noon, over 1,000 Vulcan pickleballs will be handed out across the iconic area in an event dubbed “The Largest Ball Drop in Times Square.”

A truck decked out with LED video screens showcasing MLP and Vulcan imagery will pass through Times Square, with MLP players, staff, and Vulcan representatives distributing the balls. Each pickleball comes with a QR code offering a 20% discount on Vulcan merchandise, making this a must-attend event for fans looking to grab some gear.

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MLP Team Events: Brooklyn Aces, NY Hustlers, and NJ 5s

New York’s local teams are getting in on the action with events across the city, giving fans an up-close-and-personal experience with their favorite players:

• Brooklyn Aces - Pickle in the Street
  Tuesday, Sept. 17, at 6 p.m. (Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 2)
  The Brooklyn Aces are heading to the picturesque Pier 2 in Brooklyn Bridge Park to engage with the local pickleball community. Fans can expect MLP merchandise giveaways and a chance to score limited-edition Brooklyn Aces branded paddles. It’s a perfect opportunity to play alongside the pros and soak in stunning views of the city skyline.
• NY Hustlers - Meet & Greet
  Wednesday, Sept. 18, at 4 p.m. (Hugo Boss Store, 10 Columbus Circle)
  Fans of the NY Hustlers will have the chance to meet some of the team’s top players, including Jack Sock, Lea Jansen, Jackie Kawamoto, and CJ Klinger. The event, held at the Hugo Boss store in Columbus Circle, will feature gear signings and photo opportunities. Plus, Hugo Boss is offering in-store discounts throughout the week, making it the perfect time to shop.
• Brooklyn Aces vs. New Jersey 5s - Exhibition Match
  Wednesday, Sept. 18, at 5 p.m. (LifeTime Penn 1)
  The Brooklyn Aces and NJ 5s are set to square off in an exclusive exhibition match featuring a unique Premier Level vs. Challenger Level showdown. Open to Life Time members who register. This is a rare chance to see two elite teams battle it out ahead of the main tournament.
• Brooklyn Aces - Fan Appreciation Event
  Saturday, Sept. 21, at 1:15 p.m. (CityPickle at Wollman Rink)
  Ahead of their match against the Frisco Pandas, the Brooklyn Aces are hosting a fan appreciation event at Wollman Rink. The first 75 fans to register will receive a free Aces t-shirt and a food & beverage voucher. It’s a can’t-miss gathering for Aces supporters before they cheer on their team on Championship Court.

NYC Lights Up with Pickleball

As Major League Pickleball prepares to make its mark on NYC, the league is making sure everyone knows. A series of digital video boards at the Columbus Circle Subway Station will spotlight the week’s events, local teams, and stars like Anna Leigh Waters (NJ 5s), Jack Sock (NY Hustlers), and Layne Sleeth (Brooklyn Aces).

Fans traveling through the station can catch highlights and learn more about the tournament schedule.

Additionally, MLP has secured a prime billboard at 53rd St. and Broadway, showcasing pickleball’s biggest names, including Lea Jansen (NY Hustlers), Zane Navratil (NJ 5s), Daniel de la Rosa (Brooklyn Aces), and Rachel Rohrabacher (DC Pickleball Team).

Andre Agassi's Social Media Video

Tennis legend and DUPR investor Andre Agassi is bringing his star power to the MLP NYC celebrations. In a new marketing spot, Agassi pokes fun at fans suffering from “POB” (Post-Open Blues) and encourages them to tune in to the thrilling action of professional pickleball, which is making its NYC debut. Agassi’s playful promotion is sure to build excitement ahead of the tournament.

Major League Pickleball Hits New York City

This historic event marks the first time New York City will host pro pickleball players like Ben Johns, Anna Leigh Waters, and Jack Sock, making it a can’t-miss spectacle for local sports fans. Twelve of MLP’s 22 teams will compete in 30 matches over four days, battling for a spot in the season-ending MLP Playoffs this November.

Among the teams vying for victory are local favorites, including the New York Hustlers (owned by LeBron James’ LRMR Ventures), the New Jersey 5s (backed by Gary Vaynerchuk), and the Brooklyn Aces (owned by Kevin Durant, Rich Kleiman’s 35V, Michael B. Jordan, and Drake).

Where to Watch

Can’t make it to the event in person? No problem. MLP NYC will be broadcast on Tennis Channel, MSG Networks, Pickleball TV, and the MLP YouTube channel:

If pro pickleball wants to get to the next level, it begins with this trip to New York City.