Within minutes of the draft's conclusion, reactions poured in across social media, with newly signed stars acknowledging both excitement and expectation.

Anna Bright, who was selected No. 1 overall by the St. Louis Shock for $1,230,000, summed up the mood bluntly: "I am going to feel pressure to play like GOD."

Bright later added, "CHEAP DATE EXPENSIVE AS F*** TO HAVE ON YOUR MLP TEAM," embracing the record-breaking valuation attached to her name.

The draft results signal a significant shift from last season, with aggressive bidding reshaping team dynamics across the league. Jorja Johnson went second overall to the New Jersey 5s for $800,000, while Danni-Elle Townsend was picked third by the Columbus Sliders for $180,000.

Other top selections included Lea Jansen (Texas Ranchers), Jamie Wei (Chicago Slice), Mari Humberg (Chicago Slice), Dylan Frazier (Brooklyn Pickleball Team), Jack Sock (Orlando Squeeze), Tama Shimabukuro (Utah Black Diamonds), and Jonathan Truong (Phoenix Flames).

Excitement extended beyond the top picks. Pro player Alex Crum reacted with enthusiasm, posting: "Omg….LETS GOOOO!!!!!!!!!"

With the draft now complete, the 2026 MLP season promises a reshaped competitive landscape. Big-money moves, star pairings and fresh roster combinations have set the stage for one of the most anticipated campaigns in league history.

All eyes now turn to how these headline signings translate into results once the season begins.

About Indian Pickleball Association:
The Indian Pickleball Association is the official governing body for pickleball in India and is dedicated to promoting, developing, and organising the sport across the country. The association continues to inspire players of all ages and skill levels to embrace the game through events like the IPA Nationals. IPA is affiliated with the Asian Pickleball Association (APA) and the Global Pickleball Federation (GPF).

About Pickleball World Ranking:
PWR is a national ranking system that spans all age groups, skill divisions, and formats -including singles, doubles, and mixed categories. It serves as the official National Sports Federation Ranking for India. With multiple sanctioned events taking place every week across the country, PWR defines the top Indian players at every level and forms the foundation for team selection at the school, district, state, and national stages.

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