Following their loss to New Jersey 5s at the Major League Pickleball (MLP) Austin final, Columbus Sliders made a significant change in their squad by acquiring Tyra Black from the Dallas Flash in exchange for promising women’s player Danni-Elle Townsend.
As part of the deal, Dallas will also receive an undisclosed cash consideration, with the maximum allowed per trade set at $200,000. The agreement had not yet been officially ratified by the league as of Sunday night, though it is expected to be completed.
The trade arrives at a pivotal stage of the season, with Columbus enjoying an impressive campaign so far at 12-4. The addition of Black further strengthens an already formidable roster, potentially enhancing their push to defend their Major League Pickleball title.
Black brings proven chemistry with key players across the circuit. She has previously paired up with both Todd and Andrei Daescu on the PPA Tour, securing a silver medal in women’s doubles with Todd at this year’s Indoor National Championships in January and a bronze medal with Daescu in mixed doubles at the Mesa Cup in February.
However, questions remain over Columbus’ mixed doubles combinations. It is still unclear how the Sliders will structure their pairings, given Daescu’s prior success with both Todd and Black. Notably, Black has spent much of her MLP career playing alongside a left-handed partner (Augie Ge) over the past three seasons, suggesting a potential pairing with CJ Klinger could also be explored.
For Dallas, the trade reflected a forward-looking strategy amid a difficult season. The Flash have struggled by their own standards, currently sitting at 4-6. Black, who was only eligible to be retained through the end of 2026, has been moved in exchange for Townsend, who can be kept through 2028.
Townsend has been one of the bright spots in her rookie season, delivering consistent performances with a 10-6 record in women’s doubles and 9-6 in mixed doubles. The move signals Dallas’ intent to rebuild around younger long-term assets.
New roaster:
Columbus Sliders: Andrei Daescu, CJ Klinger, Alexander Crum, Parris Todd, Tyra Black, Judit Castillo.
Dallas Flash: JW Johnson, Augie Ge, Ivan Jakovljevic, Danni-Elle Townsend, Brooke Buckner, Albie Huang.