Major League Table Tennis
Current season, competition or edition: 2024–25 Major League Table Tennis season | |
| Sport | Table tennis |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2023 |
| Founder | Flint Lane |
| Inaugural season | 2023 |
| No. of teams | 10 |
| Country | United States |
| Headquarters | Princeton, New Jersey |
| Official website | mltt |
Major League Table Tennis (MLTT) is the first professional table tennis league in the United States, founded in 2023 by software entrepreneur Flint Lane. Headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey, MLTT operates a team-based format with franchises across U.S. cities, aiming to professionalize and popularize table tennis domestically. The league is recognized for its innovative match structures, including the "Golden Game" and the SPINDEX rating system, as well as for its strategic partnerships and growing media presence.[1]
History
Flint Lane, a table tennis enthusiast and founder of the fintech company Billtrust, launched MLTT to create a professional platform for the sport in the United States. The league’s inaugural season began in September 2023 with eight teams, expanding to ten by the 2025–26 season.[2]
In 2024, MLTT secured a US$5.5 million investment led by David Blitzer, co-owner of the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils, alongside Daryl Morey, President of the 76ers. The funding supported league expansion, infrastructure, and media development.[3]
Season 1 – 2023 Champion: Texas Smash Season 2 – 2024 Champion: Carolina Gold Rush
Format
MLTT features a team-based competition model where each match includes 21 total points. Teams earn one point for every individual game won. A standard match comprises five games: two singles, one doubles, and two additional singles matches.
Each match concludes with a "Golden Game," a race to 21 points in which each of the five team members rotates every four points. The winner of the Golden Game earns six points, which can often determine the overall match outcome.[4]
The league also introduced the SPINDEX (Standardized Pong INDEX Rating), a rating system from 0 to 3000 that adjusts based on match outcomes. For instance, if a 2500-rated player defeats a 2400-rated opponent, they gain six points; if they lose, they forfeit 22 points. Inactivity results in a 25-point reduction every three months after one year.[5]
Teams
As of the 2025 season, MLTT includes ten teams divided into two regional divisions:[6]
East Division
- Atlanta Blazers
- Carolina Gold Rush
- Florida Crocs
- New York Slice
- Princeton Revolution
West Division
- Bay Area Blasters
- Chicago Wind
- Los Angeles Spinners
- Portland Paddlers
- Texas Smash
Governance
MLTT’s governance includes notable sports and business figures:
- Eric Chan, Chief Business and Strategy Officer at Gap Inc. and former CFO of the Los Angeles Clippers[7]
- Dimitrij Ovtcharov, six-time Olympic medalist, former world No. 1, and co-owner of the Princeton Revolution
Notable figures
Prominent players
- Lily Zhang, four-time U.S. Olympian
- Liam Pitchford, English Olympian
- Koki Niwa, Japanese Olympian
- Mo Zhang, Canadian Olympian
Prominent investors and owners
- David Blitzer, Blackstone executive and co-owner of the 76ers and Devils[8]
- Daryl Morey, President of basketball operations for the 76ers
- Manu Ginóbili, NBA Hall of Famer and owner of the Florida Crocs
Media coverage and partnerships
In January 2025, MLTT signed a broadcast deal with CBS Sports Network to air matches, highlights, and special features, substantially increasing its national visibility. Between Season 1 and Season 2, the league reported a fivefold increase in YouTube viewership and a doubling of ticket sales.[9]
In April 2025, Butterfly extended its role as the official equipment provider through the 2027–28 season.[10]
Reception
MLTT has helped elevate interest in table tennis across the U.S., reflected in increased search traffic, social media engagement, and mainstream coverage. The league's combination of innovation, media strategy, and high-profile backing has positioned it as an emerging force in American professional sports.
References
- ↑ "About MLTT". Major League Table Tennis. Retrieved 6 May 2025.
- ↑ "Teams". Major League Table Tennis. Retrieved 6 May 2025.
- ↑ Nick (9 October 2024). "MLTT Receives Investment from David Blitzer and Daryl Morey". Major League Table Tennis. Retrieved 6 May 2025.
- ↑ "MLTT Match Format". Major League Table Tennis. Retrieved 6 May 2025.
- ↑ "SPINDEX Ratings Explained". Major League Table Tennis. Retrieved 6 May 2025.
- ↑ "Teams". Major League Table Tennis. Retrieved 6 May 2025.
- ↑ "Gap Inc. names Eric Chan as Chief Business and Strategy Officer". Gap Inc. January 2024. Retrieved 6 May 2025.
- ↑ Nick (9 October 2024). "MLTT Receives Investment from David Blitzer and Daryl Morey". Major League Table Tennis. Retrieved 6 May 2025.
- ↑ "MLTT and CBS Sports Announce National Television Agreement". Major League Table Tennis. January 2025. Retrieved 6 May 2025.
- ↑ Chapjian, Careen (16 April 2025). "Butterfly Extends Partnership Through 2027–2028". Major League Table Tennis. Retrieved 6 May 2025.
External links
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