How Major League Pickleball Really Works: What Fans Don’t See Behind the Trades, Contracts, and Team Decisions with Alex Geesbreght
Dinks On Tap: The Happy Hour Pickleball PodcastShow Notes
What really goes on behind the scenes of Major League Pickleball?
In this episode, we sit down with LA Mad Drops team owner Alex Geesbreght to get an inside look at how MLP works, from team contracts and player movement to the MLP draft, scouting, ownership, and the business behind the sport.
Alex walks us through some of the biggest questions we have had about pickleball players, pickleball teams, and the decisions happening off the court. We also talk about where the league could be headed, what still needs to evolve, and why the next few years could be especially important for pickleball leagues.
You’ll learn:
How trades work during the MLP season, including who starts the conversation and what teams are actually trading for.
What happens when team contracts expire
How the MLP draft works and why teams are bidding for draft positions rather than directly bidding on players.
Why a salary cap and minimum team spending could become important parts of the league’s future.
How a team owner thinks about roster decisions, spending, and building a competitive organization.
What Alex looks for when evaluating pickleball players, including qualities that have very little to do with pure talent.
Why a stronger developmental system could change how pickleball teams discover and develop future stars.
How professional teams can build sustainable pickleball business models through sponsorships, merchandise, events, and stronger local communities.
Why permanent home venues could help pro pickleball feel more like a traditional professional sports league.
What could make future pickleball leagues more sustainable for owners, players, and fans.
We also get into Alex’s competitive side, the players he loves watching, and why he believes pickleball has become much bigger than what happens on the court.
If you have ever wondered how the business of Major League Pickleball really works, this conversation gives you a rare look behind the curtain without taking away the fun of watching it all unfold.
Pour something cold and press play. Cheers,
Casie and Lauren
Dinks on Tap
Listen to Part 1 of our conversation, where we get into Alex Geesbreght’s story, how he became involved in professional pickleball, and what led him to ownership of the LA Mad Drops.
Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with us:
Instagram: @dinksontap
Facebook: @DinksonTapWebsite: dinksontap.com
Check out Prax Leadership to learn more about Alex's approach to leadership.
Want to see the team Alex talks about in this episode? Head to the Los Angeles Mad Drops official site for the roster, schedule, and everything happening with the squad this season.
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