Major League Pickleball (MLP) has announced its list of the most popular teams on social media on March 20, offering a snapshot of the league’s growing digital footprint and fan engagement across franchises.
The rankings, based on Instagram following, underline how pickleball’s rapid rise is translating into strong online communities.
Topping the list are the Texas Ranchers, who have emerged as the most popular team with a fan following of 15.2k on Instagram. Their position at the summit reflects not just on-court performances but also a strong connection with fans in the digital space.
Close behind in second place are the Brooklyn Pickleball Team, boasting 14.8k followers. The narrow gap at the top underlines the competitive nature of fan engagement within the league, where teams are increasingly leveraging social media to build their identities.
The New Jersey 5s occupy the third spot with a following of 13.9k. While slightly behind the top two, their presence in the top three indicates a consistent and loyal fan base.
In a somewhat surprising development, defending champions St. Louis Shock are placed fourth with 13.3k followers. Despite their success on the court, their social media numbers suggest that digital popularity does not always mirror competitive dominance.
Rounding out the top five are the Orlando Squeeze, who have amassed 11,000 followers, further illustrating the league’s spread of fan interest across multiple markets.
The mid-table rankings continue to show healthy engagement levels. The Miami Pickleball Club sit sixth with 9.2k fans, followed closely by the LA Mad Drops at 9.1k. The margins between teams remain tight, indicating that even small shifts in content strategy or performance could influence standings.
Further down the list, the Dallas Flash have 8.1k followers, while the Atlanta Bouncers stand at 7.5k. Completing the top 10 are the Utah Black Diamonds with 5.9k followers.
The rankings pointed to a broader trend within pickleball’s evolution, where the sport’s growth is not confined to courts but extends into the digital realm. Teams are increasingly investing in their online presence, engaging fans through content, updates, and interactive platforms. As pickleball continues its upward trajectory, such metrics offer valuable insight into how franchises are building their brands and connecting with a rapidly expanding audience.