Major League Pickleball will stage its first Tampa Bay event this week, bringing 60 of the sport’s top professionals to St. Pete Athletic for a five-day competition.
The hometown Florida Smash will host the event Wednesday-Sunday, June 17-21 at the recently opened paddle and social club. It is the first time the team has played in the region since joining the league four years ago.
MLP uses a coed, team format with men’s and women’s doubles, mixed doubles and a tiebreaker called the DreamBreaker. Teams will compete for standings points ahead of the 2026 MLP playoffs.
The Florida Smash roster includes local players Travis Rettenmaier and Paula Rives.
“After four years in Major League Pickleball, this is the first time the Florida Smash will compete on home turf,” said 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.”
Tickets are available through Tixr.