Major League Pickleball Embraces AI Officiating for Enhanced Game Integrity
Introduction of AI Officiating in Major League Pickleball
Major League Pickleball (MLP) has unveiled a groundbreaking Artificial Intelligence (AI) officiating system, developed by Owl AI, which will be implemented in the league's 2026 season that commenced on May 22. This innovative system operates without the need for specialized hardware on the court, eliminating the requirement for additional sensors or dedicated line-calling cameras. Instead, it utilizes existing broadcast cameras to process match footage through a cloud-based AI platform, providing real-time officiating decisions and transforming standard production equipment into a comprehensive review system.
In a sport characterized by speed and narrow margins, this advancement addresses one of the longstanding challenges in racquet sports—ensuring consistent officiating under pressure. MLP commissioner Samin Odhwani emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating, “Aligning with innovative companies like Owl AI is crucial for enhancing the reliability of our challenge system and improving the overall quality of our on-court experience.” He added that MLP has experienced remarkable growth since its inception in 2021 and is committed to continually improving the league for fans, players, and teams.
About Owl AI
Founded in May 2025, Owl AI is a burgeoning player in sports technology. Prior to its involvement in pickleball, the company successfully implemented its AI systems at X Games Aspen 2025, where it facilitated real-time scoring and commentary for professional snowboarding events. The same software-driven approach is now being applied to pickleball. Owl AI asserts that the current broadcast-camera setup can also accommodate future enhancements, such as player analytics and match insights, without necessitating alterations to the existing production infrastructure.
According to Josh Gwyther, CEO of Owl AI, the collaboration with MLP signifies a broader vision for the future of sports broadcasting. “Owl has become the AI intelligence layer behind every sports broadcast,” Gwyther remarked. “Leading in sports AI is incredibly exciting, and what we are doing today is merely the beginning of what lies ahead.”
MLP's investment in AI officiating coincides with a period of significant commercial growth for the league. In 2025, MLP reported record-breaking figures, including a more than 100% increase in sponsor revenue, a 94% rise in ticket sales, a 52% boost in total attendance, and a 400% growth in social media impressions. In this context, the integration of AI technology is not just an experiment but a clear indication of MLP's intent to evolve into a major modern sports league.