Sofia Sewing Joins UPA, Enters Major League Pickleball 2026
Big news for professional pickleball—American player Sofia Sewing just inked a deal with the United Pickleball Association (UPA). This contract guarantees she’ll be part of the 2026 Major League Pickleball (MLP) Player Pool.
For Sewing, it’s a turning point. She’s getting ready to move from the APP Tour to the PPA Tour by 2027.
The deal locks in her eligibility for MLP and gives her a clear path back into the PPA scene. She’s already seen as one of the top women’s singles players out there.
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Sofia Sewing’s Return to the PPA Tour
Sewing hasn’t played on the PPA Tour since 2024, but that’s about to change. Her new UPA contract sets her up for a pretty big comeback.
She can finish out her current run on the APP Tour, then make the switch to the PPA in 2027. This kind of planning is catching on with more pros who want to juggle their current tour duties without losing sight of bigger goals.
The Structure of the Contract
Sewing’s contract isn’t exactly breaking the mold. Players like Will Howells took this route in 2025, signing early before jumping to the PPA full-time in 2026.
It gives players some breathing room. They can stick to their current commitments while mapping out a future on the PPA Tour.
Impact on Major League Pickleball
With Sewing joining the 2026 MLP Player Pool, there’s already a buzz among Major League Pickleball franchises. Her reputation is solid, and teams will likely scramble for her in the upcoming Free Agency draft.
She’s got a knack for sharp shot-making and keeps her cool under pressure. Whether it’s singles or doubles, she’s tough to beat.
Key Dates and Draft Prospects
The MLP calendar is packed with moments that’ll shape Sewing’s next steps. Teams have to lock in their rosters by the Player Keeper Deadline on February 15.
After that, the Free Agency draft hits on February 27. That’s when teams can chase after available talent and shake up their lineups for 2026. Sewing’s name will be one of the hottest in the mix.
Broader Implications for Professional Pickleball
Sewing’s deal with the UPA says a lot about how pickleball is growing up as a sport. More doors are opening for top players to move up the ranks in different ways.
The contract gives her both security and options. She’s set for Major League Pickleball and has a clear route back to the PPA Tour when she’s ready.
A Future Cornerstone of Women’s Pickleball
A lot of folks already see Sofia Sewing as a future anchor for women’s professional pickleball. Her reputation’s only gotten stronger since she stepped away from the PPA Tour.
With 2026 around the corner, it’ll be interesting to see how MLP teams play their cards in free agency—and just how far they’ll go to land this rising star.
Conclusion
Sofia Sewing just landed a contract with the UPA, and honestly, it’s a pretty big deal for her career. This move also shakes things up in the world of professional pickleball.
She’s now locked into the 2026 MLP Player Pool, which is no small feat. The contract also lays out a straightforward route to the PPA Tour—something a lot of top players are eyeing these days.
With the Free Agency draft on the horizon, people can’t help but talk about Sewing. She’s definitely turning heads and could be one of the most interesting players to follow in the next few years.
If you want all the details on Sofia Sewing’s contract and what it might mean, check out the full article here.