Samin Odhwani Named Commissioner Of Major League Pickleball, Ushering In A New Era Of Growth
Source: Pickleball.com
Major League Pickleball (MLP) has officially announced Samin Odhwani as its new Commissioner, marking a significant leadership move for the fast-growing professional league.
Odhwani will take on this role while continuing his current position as Chief Strategy Officer for the United Pickleball Association (UPA). In both capacities, he will report to UPA CEO Connor Pardoe, who also owns MLP’s Utah Black Diamonds.
As Commissioner, Odhwani will oversee team governance and on-court competition, working closely with the MLP board to maintain alignment with the league’s long-term vision. His leadership will also extend into strengthening MLP’s business model and spearheading content distribution strategies—both key areas for the league's continued expansion..
A Wealth Of High-Level Experience
Odhwani brings an impressive résumé to the position. His career includes time at the NBA, leadership roles at Kevin Durant’s 35V and Boardroom, and a stint as General Manager of the Brooklyn Aces (now D.C. Pickleball Team) from mid-2023 through February 2025.
In a recent interview with Sports Business Journal, Odhwani discussed the balancing act required of a commissioner: maintaining the integrity of competition while strategically building the business side.
“Do I have 22 team owners who can call me anytime to talk about rules? Absolutely,” said Odhwani. “At the same time, it’s about understanding where the business is going. The best commissioners excel at managing both sides.”
Big Goals For MLP’s Future
One of Odhwani’s primary objectives will be to increase visibility for both MLP and its players. Another major focus: negotiating future media rights deals. With current national and local broadcasting agreements—including partnerships with ESPN, Fox, and the Tennis Channel—set to expire after the 2025 season, Odhwani sees an exciting opportunity on the horizon.
“We have a blank slate for 2026, which is fun,” he said. “It’s when all the puzzle pieces start coming together.”
With fresh leadership at the helm, MLP looks poised to elevate its standing not only within the pickleball world but across the broader sports landscape.
The 2025 season is already off to a strong start with MLP Orlando underway at the USTA National Campus in Orlando, Florida, running through Sunday, April 27. Fans can catch the action live on Pickleballtv and the Pickleballtv App.