Major League Pickleball crowns its 2026 champion in the middle of Central Park, with Wollman Rink converted into a championship court framed by the midtown skyline. Four teams survived the season — Brooklyn Pickleball Team, the New Jersey 5s, St. Louis Shock, and Dallas Flash — settling it over three days of best-of-three series. With Brooklyn in the final four and CBS cameras arriving Sunday, this is the sport's biggest stage of the year.
What to expect
Best-of-three team series on Championship Court: Brooklyn Pickleball Team vs. New Jersey 5s and St. Louis Shock vs. Dallas Flash in the semifinals, with the finals wrapping Sunday afternoon. First matches start around noon Friday, 10am Saturday, and noon Sunday, though exact weekend timing shifts with how the semifinal series play out. Courtside tickets mean bleacher seats plus the run of the concessions, bar, DJ, and sponsor tents; VIP adds the
Good to know
- Doors open one hour before the first scheduled matches each day
- No parking at the venue — MLP recommends subway or rideshare
- One bag per guest, max 12"W x 12"H x 16"L; no outside food or drink
- Saturday and Sunday session times can shift depending on whether the semifinal series sweep or go three matches
- Every match streams on PickleballTV; Sunday's final airs on CBS 12-1pm and Tennis Channel 2-4pm
Get Saturday planned every Thursday
One email a week — the best of the NYC weekend board. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Common questions
Which teams are playing?
Brooklyn Pickleball Team vs. the New Jersey 5s and St. Louis Shock vs. Dallas Flash in best-of-three semifinal series; the two winners meet in the best-of-three finals for the 2026 title.
What's the difference between Courtside and VIP passes?
Courtside is bleacher seating on Championship Court plus access to all match courts, concessions, bar, DJ, and sponsor tents. VIP adds lounge access, two drink tickets, elevated food and drink, prime seats, and expedited entry with separate
What time do matches start?
First matches run around noon Friday, 10am Saturday, and noon Sunday, with doors opening an hour before. Exact Saturday/Sunday timing depends on how long the semifinal series run — MLP publishes the scenarios on the event page.
Can I watch without a ticket?
Yes — all matches stream live on PickleballTV, MSG carries Friday (12-6pm) and Saturday (10am-4pm), and Sunday airs on CBS from 12-1pm with Tennis Channel coverage 2-4pm.
More sports this weekend
Also in Manhattan
