Houston Hammers to Join Major League Pickleball as 21st Team for 2027 Season

Houston Hammers competing in Major League Pickleball branding image.
October 28, 2026

New Ownership Group Led By Hugh Zhang


Major League Pickleball (MLP presented by DoorDash) today announced that the Houston Hammers will join the league for the 2027 season as MLP’s 21st team.

Hugh Zhang, a dynamic leader with expertise across various industries, will lead the new ownership group. Hammers ownership intends to fully immerse itself in all parts of MLP for the 2027 season and in the Greater Houston community, including hosting a 2027 league event in the Houston market, maintaining the CSP Champion senior team, and having a Jr. Hammers team represented in Jr. MLP.

“Houston is one of the top pickleball markets in the country, and we are thrilled to bring Major League Pickleball to our city. MLP completes the Houston Hammers ecosystem, with our regular-season champion senior team, Jr. MLP, and the minor leagues all under one brand,” said Zhang. “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.”

MLP’s 2026 summer season continued robust year-over-year momentum, setting a host of new all-time league records:

  • Viewership Records: Broadcast (CBS – 733K NYC Finals, 8/30), Cable (FS1 – 146K ORL, 8/1), and Streaming (PBTV)
  • Pickleballtv Minutes Watched: +32% vs. 2025
  • On-Site Attendance: +69% vs. 2025
  • Ticket Revenue: +87% vs. 2025
  • Social Impressions & Interactions: +61% & +106%, respectively, vs. 2025

Additional league information – including key off-season dates, the Hammers’ player acquisition process, keeper deadlines, draft date, MLP’s 2027 summer schedule of events, and more – will follow in the coming weeks.

About Major League Pickleball (MLP presented by DoorDash)

Founded in 2021, Major League Pickleball (MLP presented by DoorDash) is the preeminent, coed, team-based professional pickleball league, featuring over 100 of the best athletes across 21 teams, iconic team owners, and the most electric live events and fan experience in the sport. In 2024, MLP and the PPA Tour merged under the newly-formed United Pickleball Association (UPA), bringing together the leading pro pickleball organizations under a single entity. Visit the official website and follow MLP on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube for more information.