Subscribe Pickleball 101 Tips & Tricks Gear & Reviews Community Stories Health & Wellness Opinions & Insights Search SubscribeSearch Houston Hammers Join Major League Pickleball for 2027 Empower Pickleball | October 28, 2026 Share This: Share using Native tools Share Copied to clipboard Major League Pickleball is adding a Houston team for the 2027 season, bringing the league’s total to 21 teams. The Houston Hammers will enter the league under a new ownership group led by Hugh Zhang. The group plans to build the team’s presence throughout Greater Houston, including hosting an MLP event in the market during the 2027 season. The Hammers also plan to maintain their regular-season champion senior team and add a Jr. Hammers team to the Jr. MLP system, creating a broader organization that reaches beyond the professional roster. “Houston is one of the top pickleball markets in the country, and we are thrilled to bring Major League Pickleball to our city,” Zhang said. “Our vision is to build a first-class sports brand that delivers an exceptional fan experience, develops local talent, and creates a lasting legacy in Houston sports.” Photo by Major League Pickleball A Familiar Franchise With a New Identity Although the Houston Hammers name is new to MLP, the franchise itself has been around since the league’s first season. It began as Team Clean, one of MLP’s original eight teams in 2021. The franchise later competed as Clean Cause, Frisco Clean Cause, the Frisco Pandas, and most recently the Nashville Chefs in 2025. It didn’t participate in the 2026 season. The move to Houston gives the franchise another fresh start while bringing MLP into one of the country’s larger pickleball markets. The expansion follows a record-setting 2026 season for the league. MLP reported a 69% year-over-year increase in on-site attendance, an 87% increase in ticket revenue, and a 106% increase in social interactions. MLP hasn’t yet released several important details about the Hammers’ first season. Information about the team’s player acquisition process, keeper deadlines, draft date, and complete 2027 schedule will follow in the coming weeks. The dates and venue for the planned Houston event have also not been released. Share this: Share on X (Opens in new window)X Share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Facebook Share This: Share using Native tools Share Copied to clipboard SHARE THIS ARTICLE AUTHOR Empower Pickleball RELATED ARTICLES Beginner Guides Pickleball Gear Summer Pickleball Essentials You Didn’t Know You Needed Playing in the heat? Don’t just pack your paddle. From hydration hacks to skin savers, these are the summer pickleball essentials you’ll wish you had sooner. May 13, 2025 Community Stories The Future is Now: How Junior Girls Are Shaping the Next Era of Pickleball Junior girls aren’t waiting their turn. They’re already shaping the sport: on side courts, in pro brackets, and with the support of parents who are all-in. Here’s what’s driving their rise and why it matters. June 18, 2025 Pickleball Gear Pickleball and Purpose: How Brands Are Giving Back Pickleball is built on connection—and today, brands are using that same spirit to make a difference. From youth grants and adaptive play to eco-friendly paddles and charitable gear, these pickleball companies are proving that giving back can be part of every game. November 4, 2025 SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER Be the first to know about new stories, giveaways, and what’s happening on and off the court. Empower Pickleball is an inclusive media brand created for the players who are building the sport, on local courts, in community groups, and everywhere in between. Empower Pickleball Email us at: hi@empowerpickleball.com Press Gift Guide Adaptive Pickleball News Pickleball Stories Nutrition Trends About Us Contact Us Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions Partner with Us Collaborate with us to grow the pickleball community and put your brand in front of passionate players. Learn more Shop Browse our collection of official merchandise. Shop Now © Empower Pickleball 2025. All rights reserved. Loading Comments... Write a Comment... Email (Required) Name (Required) Website
Curated by Taleb Kabbara · Source: empowerpickleball.com