Congratulations to the women's and men's winners of our 2025 Combine, Carolyn Weed and Greg Coley. It was a pleasure to watch their play all weekend, and you can watch the replays of the Combine's Championship courts via the links on our Facebook Page. Carolyn and Greg are guaranteed spots on one of the USLPL's teams this season. Second place for the ladies deservedly went to Katie Carpenter and for the men, Stephen Murdock, who also played lights out!

Our 2025 Combine is in the books! The headline is the fierce and friendly competition we saw among ALL of the players. A big thank you goes out to all who came out. Boy, were we all treated to a wonderful weekend of play. Big congratulations to our two Combine winners - for the women, Carolyn Weed and for the men, Greg Coley! Each of them has received an automatic draft bid into the USLPL this season. Welcome aboard. We are lucky to have you!

The weekend also could not have been a success without our crackerjack volunteers, dedicated referees, the amazing staff at Performance Pickleball RVA. This amazing venue also is the home court of our own Richmond Rocketeers. Check out this TV segment from WTVR Richmond.

The team owners also wish to share their appreciation with everyone who competed and played a role in the success of the Combine. 

Oakton, Virginia, U.S. – (July 18, 2025) – Fueled by the desire to provide elite pickleball players aged 50+ and 60+ with their next great competitive challenge, the U.S. Legends Pickleball League (USLPL) kicks off its inaugural 2025-2026 season this Fall.

The USLPL’s 12 ownership groups include nearly two dozen senior pro players, some of whom are also Hollywood actors, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and people who go above and beyond to elevate the sport of pickleball through working with juniors and opening new cutting-edge pickleball facilities.  Most owners have won multiple medals at tournaments including the Minto U.S. Open, USAP Nationals, the Senior Games, and multiple international pickleball events including the Irish Open, Thailand Open, and Rome Open.

The league’s roster of teams includes the Boston Dragons, Buffalo Blizzards, The DelRays (Delray Beach and Boynton Beach, FL), DMV (DC/MD/VA) Picklers, Florida Royals, Florida Storm, Jersey Shore Shots, Northern Virginia SuperNovas, NYC Ballers, Richmond Rocketeers, Roanoke Shine, and the Villages Heat (The Villages, FL). Teams are competing for a Championship trophy and prize money.

“The league and our team owners are providing a platform for today’s elite pickleball players to showcase their skills and compete at the highest level,” said League Co-Founder Ron Cortese of Oakton, Virginia, a senior pro player who has run pickleball, basketball, and baseball leagues in Northern Viriginia since 2006.  “What’s great about our league is that most of the team owners also senior pros who are playing on their teams and have a vested interest in the outcomes of the matches, as well as the friendly rivalries we will have on the court.”

Starting in September, once per month, teams will play four league matches called “showdowns” at top indoor facilities in Indianapolis, IN, (the Picklr, September), Hatboro, PA (Dill Dinkers, October), Baltimore, MD, (Bounce Pickleball, December), and Robbinsville, NJ, (Pickle House, January). 

The USLPL also announced that Diadem’s “Official Ball” is now the Official Ball of the USLPL, as well as one of the league’s primary gear sponsors.  Additionally, DINK Eyewear will protect USLPL players this season, as well as give them a visual edge through lenses that improve color, contrast, and clarity.

Each USLPL team is comprised of 14 players, 7 women and 7 men, who are Champions aged 50+ and Masters aged 60+. Players with DUPRs (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Ratings) starting at 4.5 and ranking above 5.0 are encouraged to register for the league’s round robin-style two-day tryout Combine August 8-10 at Performance Pickleball RVA in Richmond, VA. Players who cannot attend the Combine may choose to enter the draft directly. More details can be found here.

“U.S. Legends Pickleball League is helping elite players across the country fulfill their competitive aspirations,” said League Co-Founder Mike Cao, of Richmond, Virginia, a senior pro player and PPR certified coach. “This is going to be an extremely exciting season.”

MEDIA CONTACT: Dani Mackey, Dani@DaniMackey.com (703) 283-9698

We're pleased to share that DINK Eyewear will protect USLPL players this season, as well as help them see the ball better. WOW, right?! Our players are learning how DINK lenses improve color, contrast, and clarity — giving them a visual edge before even the first serve. You really gotta check them out for yourself, but here's a little bit about their products. So many great choices of style and color - including prescription! Use code USLPL at check-out for a 10 percent discount.

 Pro Outdoor Lens
Our darkest and most dynamic lens—ideal for full sun and glare. Designed for green ball visibility and younger eyes, it delivers elite clarity, contrast, and bold color in bright conditions.

 Pro Indoor/Outdoor Green Lens
Our most versatile lens—perfect for bright outdoor or lower-light indoor play. Loved especially by players over 40, it enhances depth, sharpness, and adaptability in all lighting conditions.

 Natural Lens (Indoor/Night)
Built for indoor courts and evening matches, this lens is a glare-control machine. Originally developed for night driving, it reduces harsh reflections (aka optical noise) while improving comfort, contrast, and true color visibility.

The Roanoke Shine are one of the 12 USLPL teams that will compete for the league championship in Season 1. They recently appeared on WSLS TV to share what joining the league means to them. Check out their interview here!

You may recognize Co-Founder Ron Cortese as the head of Legends Sports Leagues (basketball, baseball, and pickleball) or have played in one of the many tournaments he has hosted in the mid-Atlantic region. Ron's a senior pro player, PPR Certified Coach, and is excited to welcome the players and fans to the USLPL this season. Mike is a multiple international pickleball tournament medalist as well as a PPR Certified Coach and all-around great guy. Together, their teamwork has helped make the dream work for the USLPL. 

The USLPL is proud to call the Diadem "Official" ball, the "Official Ball" of our league! Balls will provided for the Combine and all matches. To get yours, order directly from Diadem using the code USLPL-DIADEM for 10 percent off all purchases. 

The SuperNovas held a contest to name its mascot, and the winner is Donna Oliver, with the name Scorch! You may spot him at league showdown matches or on a piece of team merchandise, which is on sale now. Donna will receive a hat compliments of the team. Let's go USLPL!