The Dink Minor League Australia (MiLP) will continue to play a core role in Australia and New Zealand’s 2026 competitive pickleball ecosystem, serving as the primary pathway for national and international pickleball players for team-based pickleball progression. Designed as a true global product, MiLP connects players from local club competition through to national representation and ultimately the World Championships, delivering a consistent, high-quality co-ed team format across all skill levels.

“From juniors and local clubs through to Pro and Major League competition, our focus is on building a pathway that is transparent, merit-based, and genuinely attainable for everyone who loves the game. By bringing PPA Australia, MLP Australia and the The Dink Minor League together under one clear framework, we’re able to create more playing opportunities and help build a stronger future for our pickleball community across Australia and beyond.

- Sange Carter, League Commissioner

What is The Dink Minor League Australia?
MiLP is a co-ed team competition format, with each team consisting of two male and two female players. Teams are organised into divisions by DUPR rating. Teams compete across gender doubles, mixed doubles, and DreamBreaker matches, creating a balanced, high-intensity team environment that rewards depth, strategy, and adaptability.

2026 The Dink Minor League Australia: Competition Framework

• 15+ Regional Events delivered nationwide from February to July
• 8 National Qualifiers
• 1 National Championship
• Divisions Offered:
  
  • DUPR 12, 14, 16, 18, and 22 (Champions Division)
  • DUPR (50+) 14 and 20 (Champions Division)
• National Leaderboards tracking team and player performance
• Custom MiLP Medals awarded at official events

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MLP Australia: Challenger & Masters Pathways
The Dink Minor League Australia will serve as the exclusive qualification pathway into MLP Australia (MLPA) Challenger and MLPA Masters competitions. No Captain, No Draft. Pick your team, earn your spot!

• Qualification Method: Win your MiLP Regional Qualifier - Champions Division (across 8 national regions) to earn the right to represent your region at MLPA.
• Qualifier Timeline: July to August.
• MLPA Integration: Qualifying teams will receive an official MLPA Team Uniform for their respective region/MLP Team.
• Prize Pool & Partners: Prize pool is currently being confirmed.
• Challenger MLPA Teams: Will act as the official feeder system for onsite alternates and substitutions for MLP Australia Premier teams.

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Get Involved
The Dink Minor League Australia represents the strongest grassroots-to-elite team pathway in pickleball. Organisations, brands and partners who are interested in working with The Dink Minor League Australia are encouraged to reach out: sange@majorleaguepickleball.net.au

The Dink Minor League is not just a competition; it is the foundation of the national team pathway and a key pillar of pickleball’s future growth.

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Stay tuned to https://aus.officialmilp.com/ for all MiLP updates and schedule releases.

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