MLP News: Pickleball Ben Johns to LA Mad Drops
Ben Johns to LA. Yes, that Ben Johns. The #1 player in the world just left the Carolina Hogs for the LA Mad Drops in a multi-team trade that instantly flipped the league on its head. It’s the kind of move that has fans arguing in the comments, insiders scrambling for answers, and other teams wondering how they’re supposed to keep up.
If you’re trying to figure out why this happened, what it means for Ben, LA, the Hogs, and the league—grab a snack. We’re diving deep. Trade mechanics, spicy speculation, player chemistry, and what this could mean for the future of Major League Pickleball. No fluff. No clichés. Just the good stuff, straight from the source that actually cares about this sport (hi, we're 11 PICKLES).
Let’s get into it.
Why did Ben leave? It’s not just the drama, but, wow, the drama
Let’s start here: the Carolina Hogs were on a nosedive. Eleventh in the league. Remember, there are 16 teams, so not exactly dumpster fire territory... but not lighting up the bracket either.
Their roster was already spaghetti—mix in a $420,000 keeper fee and 840,000 draft points to keep Ben (for what? vibes?) and you’ve got a “future plans” meeting where everyone just stares at the floor.
Then, there’s Ben himself. Did he want out? The chatter started when he and Collin famously exited MLP Columbus Ben and Collin Johns Drop Out of MLP Columbus Over Lighting. Sure, lighting and an old injury get the headline, but people that follow MLP know there’s more. You don’t leave a team you love, that's not how a Johns rolls. So, did the Hogs just become a bad fit or did Ben want a new challenge with more talent? There’s a reason everyone is side-eyeing those “contractual disagreements.”
Ready to drive the ball hard like Ben Johns? Buy his paddle here.
Was this about the money?
Not for Ben. If you’re new here: this isn’t just “I want a bigger contract” energy. This is about winning. LA had a hole (Quang Duong bounced after a UPA contract debacle), and instead of grabbing a mid-round fill-in, LA's owners pulled out the checkbook for a shot at a “superteam.”
Oh, and the trade deadline was extended out of nowhere, right after the UPA drama. Total coincidence, right? We’re not here to do league conspiracy threads, but we do have eyebrows.
The trade, deconstructed: who went where?
Here’s the real, no-spin scorecard (because you’re going to see a lot of “insider” takes that don’t really say who moved):
Who did the Carolina Hogs get?
Brandon French (youth, cap relief, maybe a fun dinner companion), Danna Funaro, and a cash envelope (likely league-max $200K).
Who did the Utah Black Diamonds get?
Etta Tuionetoa (previously with Carolina, briefly with LA. This feels like pickleball’s version of musical chairs).
Who did the LA Mad Drops get?
Ben Johns and Mehvish Safdar (super promising, untested under this spotlight).
All this just days after LA lost Quang Duong, so... yeah, timing is everything.
LA Mad Drops’ new lineup. Are we calling this a superteam or what?
Let’s just look at these names:
- Ben Johns (literally THE guy)
- Hunter Johnson (brings power and unpredictability)
- Wesley Burrows and Thomas Wilson (major depth, Wilson on IR but watch this space)
- Catherine Parenteau (mixed doubles ninja, consistency queen)
- Jade Kawamoto (get to know her, because she’s about to get a LOT of TV time)
- Mehvish Safdar (wildcard, but with real upside)
Their pre-trade record? 14-5, and that was before Ben. The Parenteau/Kawamoto duo is already on a nine-match win streak. Now just imagine Ben in that chemistry mix.
BTW: LA’s ownership Is basically pop culture bingo
Drew Brees, Josh Allen, Jayson Tatum, Ryan Serhant, Haley Jones—the team’s owner chat thread might be the most star-studded in all of pickleball. But these aren’t just Instagram investors; they’re routinely in the stands and plugged into actual operations. This matters for recruiting, visibility, and—let’s be honest—just making the team more fun.
Chemistry Report: who’s passing to who?
Here’s what you want to know (because we ALL want to know):
- Ben + Hunter (Men’s Doubles): Could be magic. Could be a learning curve. Ben likes order, Hunter brings chaos. “Doubt” them at your own risk.
- Ben + Catherine (Mixed): This is why you tune in. There’s deep PPA experience here. It's going to be good.
- Jade + Catherine (Women’s): Did I mention the win streak?
- Wildcards: Mehvish Safdar, bench play. LA now has options that most teams would bend over backwards for.
And now, the Carolina Hogs… sigh
It’s not all sunshine over in Carolina. The Hogs used to feel dynasty-adjacent. Not anymore. Gone: Ben. The remaining cast: Collin Johns (his brother!), Kaitlyn Christian, Tammy Emmrich, Liz Truluck, Etta Tuionetoa (for all of a day) are either in rebuild mode or maybe just plotting how NOT to go 0-6 next month.
If you’re a numbers person (or just bragging at the courts):
Ben Johns by the stats:
- 155 career golds (that’s right: one five five)
- 21 Triple Crowns (winning all three events at a tournament, the dream)
- Win rate with Collin Johns: peaked at 93.5% in 2023, dipped below 82% last year
- 108-match singles win streak in PPA (literal legend mode)
- 4 MLP Titles: BLQK Bears, Seattle Pioneers, Chicago Slice
- LA pre-trade: 14-5. Parenteau/Kawamoto women’s team, nine straight.
- You can read more about Ben John's net worth here.
Is this good for pickleball? Or Are we LeBron-ing the league?
Look, people are going to yell “superteam!” And not everyone’s happy. The trade only happened after the deadline was stretched (after the UPA and Carolina roster headaches), and there’s rumbling about “collusion” and a “broken system.”
But, truth bomb: big moves = big visibility. New rivalries, inevitable playoff drama with Dallas, St. Louis, the Shock, NJ 5s. If the chemistry works, LA could dominate. If not, well, that’s popcorn-worthy too.
Where 11 PICKLES stands (And a PSA: your closet needs more pickleball)
Look, we don’t pretend to be neutral about pickleball’s chaos. We’re in it for the wild trades, salty comment sections, and the fact that a sport once known for gym shorts now features team owners who are literal Super Bowl MVPs and NBA all-stars.
Here’s the bottom line: Whether you’re team LA Mad Drops, low-key rooting for underdogs, or just here for the (inevitable) drama when too many stars land on one roster…pickleball is only getting bigger and wilder. The real winners? Fans, and honestly, anyone with a decent backhand.
Oh, and before you go, let’s make sure YOU look and feel like a winner too.
Our merch is not just for superfans… but it does look really good on them.
Shop 11 PICKLES gear—court-ready, couch-approved.
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