Pickleball has taken the sports world by storm, rapidly earning its title as one of America’s fastest-growing games. Among the exciting developments in professional pickleball is The VIBE Pickleball League, a dynamic team-based competition that’s turning heads with its high-energy format, top-tier players, and celebrity-backed ownership.

Whether you’re a pickleball enthusiast or new to the sport, this article dives deep into The VIBE Pickleball League, exploring its teams, rules, and even its stylish merchandise like the VIBE Pickleball hoodie.

What is The VIBE Pickleball League?

The VIBE Pickleball League burst onto the scene in November 2022, launched as an elite professional pickleball league powered by the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour.

Unlike traditional individual tournaments, VIBE emphasizes a thrilling team-based format, bringing a fresh “vibe” to the sport with co-ed teams, electrifying matches, and a focus on entertainment. Originally positioned as a rival to Major League Pickleball (MLP), VIBE quickly made headlines by announcing billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban as its first team owner.

However, in a significant twist, just a week after its launch, The VIBE Pickleball League merged with MLP in November 2022. This strategic partnership unified the two leagues under the Major League Pickleball brand, combining VIBE’s six planned teams with MLP’s existing roster to create a powerhouse league.

Today, The VIBE Pickleball League legacy lives on as part of MLP’s expanded vision, featuring top players, bigger events, and increased prize money.

Why The VIBE Pickleball League Matters

Pickleball’s explosive growth—boasting nearly 5 million players in the U.S. alone by 2021—has fueled demand for professional leagues that showcase the sport’s best talent. The VIBE Pickleball League was designed to meet this demand with a bold approach: uniting the world’s top-ranked male and female players in a team setting.

With stars like Ben Johns, Anna Leigh Waters, and Tyson McGuffin entering its draft pool, VIBE promised high-level competition from the start. Its merger with MLP only amplified its impact, creating a unified platform to grow pickleball globally.

The VIBE Pickleball Teams: Structure and Star Power

When The VIBE Pickleball League was announced, it planned to feature six independently owned teams, each with a roster of four players—two men and two women. The league’s draft, initially set for December 2022 in Las Vegas, aimed to pair top pros with new teammates, fostering unique partnerships and rivalries. While the merger with MLP shifted the team structure (MLP now boasts 16 teams as of 2023), VIBE’s original vision highlighted a compact, elite lineup.

Notable Players in The VIBE Pickleball Teams

Before the merger, VIBE released a list of players who entered its draft pool, showcasing some of the sport’s biggest names:

• Ben Johns: The PPA Tour’s No. 1 male player, known for his unmatched precision and versatility.
• Anna Leigh Waters: A prodigy and the top-ranked female player, dominating both singles and doubles.
• Tyson McGuffin: A charismatic veteran with a powerful game.
• Catherine Parenteau: A top female pro renowned for her consistency.
• JW Johnson and Dylan Frazier: Standout players who brought crossover appeal from the rival APP Tour.

These athletes, among others, were set to headline The VIBE Pickleball teams, promising fans a mix of established stars and rising talents. Post-merger, many of these players now compete under the MLP banner, but their association with VIBE underscored the league’s initial ambition to feature the “best of the best.”

Ownership and Celebrity Influence

A key draw of The VIBE Pickleball League was its celebrity ownership model. Mark Cuban, owner of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks, led the charge, signaling pickleball’s growing appeal to high-profile investors.

Cuban’s involvement followed a trend seen in MLP, where icons like LeBron James, Tom Brady, and Kevin Durant also own teams. This star power not only elevates the league’s visibility but also attracts sponsors and media attention, making The VIBE Pickleball teams a hot topic in sports circles.

The VIBE Pickleball Rules: How the Game is Played

While The VIBE Pickleball League is now part of MLP, its original format provides insight into its unique approach to team pickleball. The league planned four season events and two championships in 2023, with matches televised alongside PPA Tour broadcasts. Here’s a breakdown of The VIBE Pickleball rules based on its initial framework and how they align with MLP’s current structure:

Team Format

• Each team consists of four players: two men and two women.
• Matches include four games: women’s doubles, men’s doubles, and two mixed doubles contests.
• Teams earn points based on wins, culminating in a season-long standings race.

Scoring and Tiebreakers

• Games are typically played to 21 points, using rally scoring (points awarded on every serve).
• A unique “Dreambreaker” tiebreaker—introduced by MLP and likely adopted by VIBE—kicks in if teams split the four games. This fast-paced, single-point showdown adds drama and excitement.

General Pickleball Rules

VIBE adhered to USA Pickleball Association guidelines, including:

• A 20×44-foot court with a 7-foot non-volley zone (the “kitchen”).
• Paddle serves below the waist, with the ball bouncing once on each side before volleys are allowed.
• Apparel rules ensuring safety and appropriateness (e.g., no distracting colors matching the ball).

The merger with MLP refined these rules, but VIBE’s emphasis on team synergy and entertainment remains a core influence. For the latest specifics, fans can refer to MLP’s official rulebook, which continues to evolve with player and fan input.

VIBE Pickleball Hoodie: Show Your Team Spirit in Style

Beyond the court, The VIBE Pickleball League made waves with its merchandise, particularly the VIBE Pickleball hoodie. Available through retailers like PickleballCentral.com, this hoodie is a must-have for fans and players alike.

Features of the VIBE Pickleball Hoodie

• Design: A sleek black unisex hoodie featuring the bold VIBE Pickleball logo on the chest.
• Material: Crafted from a cotton blend for comfort and durability, perfect for pre-game warm-ups or casual wear.
• Functionality: Includes a kangaroo pocket, drawstring hood, and ribbed cuffs for a timeless fit.
• Sizes: Available in XS to 2XL, catering to all fans.

Why Fans Love It

The VIBE Pickleball hoodie isn’t just apparel—it’s a statement. Whether you’re cheering on your favorite team or hitting the courts yourself, it combines style with practicality. Priced competitively (often on sale for around $41.30 from a $59 MSRP), it’s an affordable way to rep the VIBE legacy within MLP. Pair it with other VIBE gear like jerseys or t-shirts for the ultimate fan look.

The Future of The VIBE Pickleball League

Since merging with MLP, The VIBE Pickleball League has contributed to a unified vision for professional pickleball. The combined league now offers over $2 million in prize money, plans to expand to 40 million players by 2030, and hosts six major events annually. VIBE’s influence is evident in MLP’s focus on team play, celebrity ownership, and fan engagement—elements that continue to drive pickleball’s mainstream success.

How to Stay Involved

• Follow MLP: Visit majorleaguepb.com for updates on teams, schedules, and broadcasts.
• Get the Gear: Shop the VIBE Pickleball hoodie and more at PickleballCentral.com or vibepb.com.
• Join the Community: Connect with fellow fans on social media platforms like Instagram and X to share the VIBE spirit.

Conclusion

The VIBE Pickleball League may have merged with MLP, but its bold launch left an indelible mark on the sport. From its star-studded teams and innovative rules to stylish merchandise like the VIBE Pickleball hoodie, VIBE brought a fresh energy to pickleball that continues to resonate. Whether you’re a player, fan, or collector, embracing The VIBE Pickleball legacy means celebrating the sport’s brightest future. Ready to join the vibe? Grab your hoodie, pick a team, and dive into the action!