Andre Daescu just went full beast mode at MLP Finals in New York. He didn’t just win, he dominated. We’re talking flawless men’s play, carrying the Sliders, and even making Anna Leigh look human. So we had to ask… is Daescu officially the best men’s player in the world right now?

We break down the finals weekend, debate the Ben vs. Andre argument, talk about the wild DreamBreaker drama, and even dive into some spicy team roster rumors for next season. Plus, we share some behind the scenes stories from NYC and what’s coming next for MLP.

This week we cover everything from rowdy Utah crowds heckling pros to why Dallas might have been the loudest MLP event ever. We get into why Ben Johns will dominate with a wooden paddle, who we think should be the top men’s doubles pairing, and whether pro pickleball players are actually making too much money.

Ben Johns gets traded to the Mad Drops… and the league kind of melted down. Was it collusion? Was it smart business? Depends on who you ask.

We break down the shady-looking deal, the $400K+ price tag, and what it means for MLP's top teams. Oh—and did someone really offer $25K to throw a Challenger match? Yep. That too.

Plus:
 – The Shock vs Flash rivalry heats up
 – Tyra takes a tumble
 – AJ Kohler is lob-core now
 – Travis fails the paddle test (again)
 – And we rate the hottest players in pickleball (yes, really)

It’s all chaos, and we’re here for it.

We’re back from New York and we’ve got stories. The venue didn't smell great, one of us might be kidnapped by now, and someone definitely ordered Domino’s in NYC. We talk DreamBreakers, Collin Johns dominating Challenger, Sam Querry entering the chat, and yeah… someone stole Rachel's Labubu. This one’s all over the place, but that’s kinda the point.

We break down Travis’ intentional hook at PPA San Clemente. Yes, it was on purpose, and no, he’s not sorry. Plus: new Smash teammates and more Labubu controversy.

A $50,000 fine made the news this week, we break down what happened, why it matters, and whether the punishment fits the moment. Then it’s on to MLP Austin and Daytona: the wins and the rise (and stumble) of some surprising teams.

The Florida Smash made their debut in the new format — we’ve got a full recap, plus thoughts on what’s clicking, what’s not, and why rally scoring just isn’t bringing the juice.

We also get into the latest gear (including a surprisingly good butt cap), some questionable line calls, and the growing list of MLP quirks, from smoke machines to Saturday Night showdowns.

New jerseys, big heads, and even bigger drama. The Bad Calls crew is on-site at the Racket Club of St. Pete, where they break down Florida Smash’s new look (and unexpected OnlyFans followers), recap a chaotic Atlanta event, and unpack everything from Anna Bright’s sideline stares to a new ball that’s quietly transforming singles. Plus: CJ Klinger’s breakout, Nelson-level drama at the U.S. Open, and the Smash’s MLP return. Oh—and did we mention Carlos Alcaraz? Let’s go.

Hayden Padugruin joins the pod to break down the most talked-about moment of the MLP season—his courtside clash with Anna Leigh Waters. From what was said and why, to how things escalated and what he wishes he’d done differently, Hayden gives his unfiltered side of the story. We talk chirping, double standards, apologies, and whether this kind of fire is good—or bad—for the sport. No PR spin. Just the raw version, straight from the source.

What happens when a tennis legend becomes your pickleball student? In this episode, the guys break down playing with Andre Agassi, who’s now texting them midweek to ask about off-arm mechanics.

We dive into Agassi’s upcoming U.S. Open debut with Anna Leigh Waters (yep, that’s happening), which teams might actually give them trouble, and why the whole thing might blow the roof off ticket sales.

Also in this episode:

• MLP Orlando predictions and team chaos rankings
• A surprisingly smart take from Anna Bright on the current men’s doubles meta
• Pickleball parents: When sideline support goes too far

Subscribe and catch our recap next week from MLP Orlando.

In this special episode of Bad Calls, we sit down with tennis legend Andre Agassi to talk about how pickleball unexpectedly reignited his competitive spirit, reshaped his daily life, and gave him a new sense of purpose.

Agassi opens up about:
•How he discovered pickleball during lockdown
•Why it became more than just a hobby
•His honest thoughts on the sport’s growth, culture, and competitive ceiling
•Playing (and drilling) with Steffi
•His investment in the future of pickleball through DUPR, Lifetime, and JOOLA
•The real mental and physical toll of tennis — and how pickleball changed that

This isn’t just a story about a new sport. It’s a story about finding yourself again after the lights go out.