ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The fast-growing world of professional pickleball is officially landing in Tampa Bay this summer.
Major League Pickleball (MLP) announced today that it will bring its premier team competition to the newly opened St. Pete Athletic from June 17–21, marking the first time the league has held an event in the region.
The multi-day tournament features a unique coed, team-based format that has become a hallmark of the league. Sixty of the world’s top professional players will descend on St. Petersburg to compete for essential standings points as they eye the 2026 MLP Playoffs.
The matches follow a high-energy structure consisting of men’s and women’s doubles, followed by mixed doubles. If a tie occurs, the outcome is decided by a “DreamBreaker” singles tiebreaker.
For the local crowd, the highlight of the week will be the appearance of the Florida Smash. The hometown team features a roster of top-tier talent, including local favorites Travis Rettenmaier and Paula Rives. While the Smash has been a staple of the league for several seasons, this June will mark their debut playing in front of a home-field audience.
“After four years in Major League Pickleball, this is the first time the Florida Smash will compete on home turf,” said Florida Smash Owner Graham D’Amico. “We’re excited to bring the best format in pickleball, and the energy that comes with it, to the St. Pete community.”
The venue for the event, St. Pete Athletic, is a state-of-the-art paddle and social club designed to handle the “festival-like” atmosphere that MLP events are known for. Beyond the court lines, attendees can expect a mix of music, intense team rivalries, and fan-focused activities.
As pickleball continues its rapid expansion across Florida, this mid-June event serves as a major milestone for the local sports scene, placing St. Petersburg at the center of the professional circuit for five days of high-stakes play.
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