ORLANDO — Clear your calendar – Major League Pickleball’s season opener, MLP Orlando, is taking over the USTA National Campus in Lake Nona from April 24 to 27. This four-day event brings together the top teams in the league for high-stakes competition, electric rallies, and a fan experience designed for everyone – from die-hards to first-timers.
Pickleball fever is sweeping the nation, and Orlando is right in the thick of it thanks to the Orlando Squeeze, one of Major League Pickleball’s (MLP) most exciting teams. Born out of the sport’s rapid growth and MLP’s 2023 expansion, the Squeeze are more than just a team – they’re a vibrant reflection of Orlando’s energy, community spirit, and love for competition.
The Squeeze have deep roots in the Central Florida community. They were formed in 2023 by local sports executive and philanthropist Ryan DeVos along with other members of the DeVos family. The sports business is a long-time passion for the DeVos family, as they have been stewards of the Orlando Magic since 1991 – solidifying them as one of the longest-tenured ownership groups in the National Basketball Association.
In their inaugural season, the Squeeze not only clinched a championship title, but also played a pivotal role in elevating pickleball’s presence in Central Florida and beyond.
Off the court, they’ve been building a passionate local fan base, hosting events and exhibition matches across the city, and putting Orlando on the pickleball map. With the No. 1 player in the world on their roster, a wide collection of fresh merchandise, and an energy to match, the Squeeze know how to bring the juice…