Triple Team Pickleball League
Triple Team Story
In 2020, Laurie Lambert, Executive Director of the Utah Tennis Association (UTA), recognized the growing passion for pickleball among tennis players in her community. These players enjoyed the competitive spirit of pickleball but missed the camaraderie found in USTA tennis leagues. To address this demand, UTA appointed Jeremy Horner as Pickleball Manager to establish a structured league for adult competition.
By 2023, UTA collaborated with several USTA offices nationwide to introduce a co-ed version of team pickleball play. With the expertise of USTA program managers and the enthusiasm of players aiming for a National Championship title, this partnership laid the groundwork for a successful league. The success of this tournament kicked off an exciting new era for team pickleball. In 2024, we launched single-gender formats, increasing participation and engagement among players nationwide.
During 2024, NTPL explored various formats and collaborated with the Arizona Pickleball Players association to successfully launch a single-gender team format in the league. This innovation allowed NTPL to operate independently from USTA while engaging pickleball providers nationwide interested in creating local leagues. Texas Team Pickleball League, founded by Beth Mahler, joined NTPL as the 18th provider in 2024.
The growth of NTPL culminated in two major National Championships held in Hilton Head Island and Las Vegas, where over 750 players from 86 teams competed for the prestigious NTPL Championship title, with two Texas teams winning two titles, the 2024 NTPL National Invitational Championships, men's 4.5 gold championship and the men's 4.0 silver championship.
In December 2024, NTPL transitioned their branding to the National Triple Team Pickleball League. This recent rebranding of the NTPL to the National Triple Team Pickleball League (TTPL) signifies a strategic evolution that enhances the league's identity and competitive structure. The new name embodies our unwavering commitment to fostering a dynamic and inclusive environment where pickleball enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels can come together across the United States to team up, play locally, and compete nationally.
Key Features of the National Triple Team Pickleball League:
Three Divisions: The league features Men's, Women's, and Mixed divisions, ensuring inclusivity and diverse competition among teams.
Three Age Brackets: Currently offering 18+ and 50+ divisions, with plans for a third age bracket, possibly 60+, in the future. Pickleball is accessible and easy to learn, making it an ideal sport for promoting a healthy lifestyle for all ages.
Three Lines of Play: The men's and women's divisions include three lines of play, while mixed doubles features two lines. This structure promotes strategic gameplay, with each line competing against every opposing line, intensifying team rivalries across all matchups. This format ensures that every team faces a diverse range of opponents throughout the season.
Three Rounds Per Match: Each match features three head-to-head rounds that promote social interaction, sportsmanship, and friendly competition, with every player contributing to their team's performance.
Triple Team Pickleball is growing team leagues and cultivating a vibrant pickleball in the United States. TTPL provides a powerful platform for recreational players—from seasoned athletes to newcomers—allowing everyone to enjoy pickleball in an environment that harmoniously blends three key ingredients: competition, camaraderie, and community.
Looking ahead to 2025, NTPL is set to expand 30 states across the country, and all 50 with in 2 years. We invite you to join the NTPL Team League and be part of this exciting journey! We invite you to join the TTPL and play a pivotal role in this remarkable growth! If you would like to promote TTPL in your state, reach out to info@tripleteam.org. If you are interested in creating a team and playing, view active TTPL locations: Locations to Play | Triple Team.
For more information about the National Triple Team Pickleball League and upcoming events, visit our website at https://www.tripleteam.org/.
About TTPL:
The National Triple Team Pickleball League is at the forefront of team-based pickleball competition. With its unique triple format and commitment to inclusivity, TTPL is set to redefine the landscape of competitive pickleball while cultivating a passionate community across the United States. #TeamUp2Compete