MLP teams are protesting the trade of Ben Johns to replace Quang Duong.

(Dan Tri Newspaper) - Many captains and owners of teams in the Major League Pickleball (MLP) believe that Ben Johns' move to LA Mad Drops will unbalance the league in the US.

Following the incident where Quang Duong was removed from the tournament system by the UPA due to multiple contract violations, the world number 6 singles player could not continue competing with LA Mad Drops in the Major League Pickleball (MLP) team tournament system.

Ben Johns' move to LA Mad Drop creates a "super team" in the MLP league (Photo: Getty).

On July 19th, LA Mad Drops officially announced a blockbuster signing, successfully recruiting the greatest pickleball player of all time, Ben Johns, from Carolina Hogs. This deal quickly caused a sensation in the American pickleball world due to the complex exchange process and accompanying cash payments.

However, LA Mad Drops' rivals in the MLP are expressing concern because the team's successful recruitment of Ben Johns will create a "super team" capable of beating any opponent.

On his personal YouTube channel, New Jersey 5s captain Zane Navratil stated: “Ben Johns’ move to LA Mad Drop makes the entire first half of the MLP season meaningless. We’ll never know the exact amount traded because the league doesn’t publicly disclose the figure, but I’m guessing it was a maximum of $200,000 per appearance.”

This deal shouldn't have happened given the shady dealings surrounding the postponement of the MLP trade deadline, which is inherently unpredictable. But this year is the first time I've felt there's such a huge gap between the highs and the lows.”

The recruitment of Ben Johns (a former world number one in men's singles, men's doubles, and mixed doubles) is considered a pivotal strategic move for LA Mad Drops. They also boast top players such as Catherine Parenteau (one of the best female players in the MLP), Hunter Johnson, and Jade Kawamoto.

Ross Chaifetz, owner and general manager of the St. Louis Shock, currently ranked number one in the MLP, said: “The nature of this deal is a orchestrated conspiracy. They are making the league unbalanced.”

This deal essentially created the first MLP superteam. Think of them in the playoffs. You have a top 3 women's doubles team, Catherine and Jade. Then you're up against Ben Johns and Hunter Johnson, who are at least top 3 in men's doubles.

And in the play-offs, you not only have to beat that team, but you have to beat them twice.”

Zane Navratil opposes the Ben Johns transfer to LA Mad Drops (Photo: Getty).

Ben Johns' joining the LA Mad Drops has truly created a stir in the MLP community, from excited anticipation to heated debates about competitiveness and transparency. Clearly, this is a move that both fans and experts are closely watching ahead of the playoffs.

Ben Johns will make his debut with the LA Mad Drops at the MLP Dallas event, taking place from July 24th to 27th. He is scheduled to face the New Jersey 5s at 2:30 AM on July 27th (Vietnam time), marking his first game with the home team, the LA Mad Drops.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/cac-doi-mlp-phan-doi-thuong-vu-ben-johns-thay-the-quang-duong-20250724155309502.htm