Major League Pickleball Takes Over New York City Ahead of September Pro Event

MLP Release / Photo courtesy of Major League Pickleball

September 16, 2024 (New York City, NY) – Major League Pickleball is bringing the world’s top players and professional coed pickleball teams to NYC for the very first time, Thursday, Sept. 19-Sunday, Sept. 22. Coverage of MLP New York City will be provided by Tennis Channel, MSG Networks, Pickleball TV, and MLP YouTube, with details of this week’s lead up to the action below.

“The Largest Ball Drop in Times Square” – Vulcan Pickleball Giveaway

Wednesday, Sept. 18, starting at Noon (Times Square; 40th-44th St. and 7th Ave.-Broadway)

• Over 1,000 pickleballs – stored in a truck wrapped with LED video screens that will feature MLP and Vulcan imagery and drive through Times Square through the afternoon – will be given away by a combination of MLP players, MLP staff, and Vulcan representatives across Times Square.

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

Tuesday, Sept. 17, at 6 p.m.: Brooklyn Aces – Pickle in the Street (Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 2)

• Members of the Aces are heading to Pier 2 to play and engage with the Brooklyn pickleball community at one of the city’s most picturesque locations. Planned giveaways include MLP merchandise and a limited number of special Brooklyn Aces branded pickleball paddles.

Wednesday, Sept. 18, at 4 p.m.: NY Hustlers – Meet & Greet (Hugo Boss Store at 10 Columbus Cir #106)

• Pros Jack Sock, Lea Jansen, Jackie Kawamoto, and CJ Klinger will be signing Hugo Boss gear and taking pictures with fans. As part of the partnership, Hugo Boss is running an in-store discount through Sept. 22 (spend $400 and get $60 house account credit / spend $800 and get a $140 house account credit).

Wednesday, Sept. 18, at 5 p.m.: Brooklyn Aces vs. New Jersey 5s – Exhibition Match (LifeTime Penn 1)

• This exhibition will feature two dynamic teams local to NY and NJ facing off in a rarely-seen Premier Level vs. Challenger Level matchup. This event is open to LifeTime members who register.

Saturday, Sept. 21, at 1:15 p.m.: Brooklyn Aces – Fan Appreciation (CityPickle at Wollman Rink)

• A gathering for the Aces fans is scheduled ahead of their match against the Frisco Pandas on Championship Court at 2 p.m. The first 75 fans to register will receive a free Aces t-shirt and a food & beverage voucher.

Columbus Circle Subway Station Digital Video Boards
A collection of video boards at the Columbus Circle Subway Station will highlight this week’s event, MLP’s local teams and biggest stars – including the NJ 5s’ Anna Leigh Waters, NY Hustlers’ Jack Sock, and Brooklyn Aces’ Layne Sleeth.

Billboard on 53rd St. and Broadway
MLP is displaying a large billboard at the corner of 53rd St. and Broadway this week, showcasing pros Lea Jansen (NY Hustlers), Zane Navratil (NJ 5s), Daniel de la Rosa (Brooklyn Aces), and Rachel Rohrabacher (DC Pickleball Team).

Andre Agassi Social Media Video
Tennis legend and investor in DUPR – the Official Rating of Major League Pickleball – Andre Agassi stars in a marketing spot offering a cure for fans suffering from “POB” – the Post-Open Blues: checking out the exhilarating action of professional pickleball as it comes to New York City for the very first time.

About MLP New York City: MLP New York City will mark the first opportunity for fans to see pro pickleball superstars including Ben Johns, Waters, and Sock playing professionally in NYC.

A collection of 12 of MLP’s 22 teams will play a total of 30 matches over four days as they compete for entry in the season-ending MLP Playoffs this November (the top six at each level will earn playoff spots).

Participating teams are highlighted by local favorites the New York Hustlers (owned by a group headlined by LeBron James’ LRMR Ventures), the New Jersey 5s (ownership group includes Gary Vaynerchuk) and the Brooklyn Aces (owned by Kevin Durant and Rich Kleiman’s 35V, Michael B. Jordan, and Drake).