Are senior pro pickleball players getting the respect they deserve?

Former MLP MVP and senior pro standout Lee Whitwell sparked an important conversation with her recent social media post following Nationals, raising concerns about how senior pros are treated at major tournaments. From championship court assignments and spectator accommodations to live streaming, trophies and sponsorships, are senior pros getting overlooked?

On this episode of The Champions Table, Shay Coker and Jeff McKnight discuss Lee's concerns, compare the Nationals experience with the MLP Champions Series, and debate what needs to happen to give senior professional pickleball the recognition it deserves.

Then we break down the final 2026 MLP Champions Series standings and compare them with the league's preseason power rankings. How accurately did the rankings predict the final results? Which teams exceeded expectations, and which ones fell short?

We cover all 16 teams, including the biggest movers:

• Austin Ignite: 16th to tied for 11th
• Indy Drivers: 8th to 4th
• Columbus Hotshots: 11th to 9th

Plus, we discuss the proposed 2027 Champions Series schedule, the possibility of seven events, and what's ahead during the offseason.

IN THIS EPISODE

• Lee Whitwell's call for greater respect for senior pros
• The Nationals experience and treatment of senior players
• MLP Champions Series versus other senior pro tournaments
• Do we need a better name than "senior pros"?
• 2026 CSP final standings versus preseason power rankings
• The Palm Beach Royals' championship season
• Houston Hammers, Suncoast Pelicans and the top contenders
• Looking ahead to the 2027 season

The Champions Table: Play Hard. Talk Smart.

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The Palm Beach Royals were the #4 seed, banged up, and flying under the radar. Then they beat the undefeated Houston Hammers, won the title, and became MLP Champions Series champions. On this episode of The Champions Table, Shay Coker and Jeff McKnight sit down with Royals Mark Milner and Alan Mendelson to relive the run. They cover the comebacks, the nerves, and the numbers behind it.

In this episode:
• Beating Kansas City (8-4) and Las Vegas (7-5) in the early rounds
• Down 6-2 to the unbeaten Houston Hammers, then winning the last four mixed matches to force a team breaker
• A team breaker that started 4-2 and 5-0 against them before the Royals turned it around
• Why the Royals felt no pressure as underdogs, and Brian Levine's "12% chance" analytics
• The team's Airbnb dinner and how they recovered for championship Sunday
• The finals vs. the Suncoast Pelicans: Mark was down 11-1 and 10-3 with a brand-new partner, then won 11-10, 11-6 to clinch the title
• Alan and Taylor rallying from 8-1 down in the second game to win 11-8
• Playing "The Inner Game of Tennis" mindset: staying out of your own head
• Winning just 51% of the points all weekend • Why the Royals won't name a playoff MVP
• The Royals' name changes and the coming Boca Paddle facility (19 indoor courts)

Hosted by Shay Coker and Jeff McKnight, unofficial insiders on the MLP Champions Series. Follow us on Instagram: @thechampions_table Subscribe for more Champions Series coverage, interviews, and analysis.

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