MLP Adds New Expansion Franchise, the Palm Beach Royals

Major League Pickleball today announced the addition of a new franchise, the Palm Beach Royals, for the 2026 season.

We're told it's "the highest team valuation in league history." We know whose bank account the purchase came from: Zach Hunter and Taylor Meyer of Hyperspace Ventures. And we know the Royals will be in the mix for the 2026 MLP season.

We also know, at least for now, it's the fourth MLP team located in Florida.

I wonder how the Florida Smash, Miami Pickleball Club, and Orlando Squeeze feel about this. Florida now has more than 1/6 of all MLP teams

— Zane Navratil (@ZaneNavratil) August 1, 2025

No word yet on what the valuation was, what level they'll be competing in, or who the GM will be.

But, MLP assures us:

League operations around the Royals, including the player acquisition process, will be announced during the upcoming off-season.Major League Pickleball Announces Expansion for 2026 with Formation of the Palm Beach RoyalsFranchise Purchased at League Record Valuation by Tech Entrepreneurs Zach Hunter and Taylor MeyerMajor League Pickleball (MLP presented by DoorDash) today announced the formation of the expansion Palm Beach Royals, who will begin play in 2026. The team was purchased at a record-high valuation by Zach Hunter and Taylor Meyer of Hyperspace Ventures.“The addition of an expansion franchise at the highest team valuation in league history speaks loudly to what has been - and is continuing to be - built by MLP and the PPA Tour in just a few years,” said Samin Odhwani, UPA Chief Strategy Officer. “We greatly look forward to the contributions that Zach, Taylor, and their ownership group can bring to MLP.”Former UNC tennis players and accomplished tech entrepreneurs, Hunter and Meyer bring a unique combination of competitive sports experience, a focus on technology, and operational expertise to the organization. Additional celebrity, professional athlete, and business tycoon investors are expected to be announced shortly.League operations around the Royals, including the player acquisition process, will be announced during the upcoming off-season.