Overview

What is Minor League Australia (MiLP)?
The Dink Minor League Australia (MiLP) is Australia’s official co-ed team pickleball competition for amateur athletes and the exclusive qualification pathway into Major League Pickleball Australia (MLPA) Challenger and Masters 50+ teams. It provides a transparent, merit-based progression from grassroots club events to national and international-level pickleball.

League Philosophy:
MiLP emphasises accessibility, competition integrity, and a clear performance ladder. All players and teams should compete in good faith, respect opponents, and adhere to DUPR and Pickleball Australia fair-play standards.

Competition Structure

Team Composition 4v4

• Team Size: 4 players (2 male, 2 female) co-ed roster.
• Event Format: Team matches comprise gender doubles, mixed doubles, and DreamBreaker matchups if tied 2-2.
• Matches: Minimum 3 pool matches, with elimination finals.
• Match Duration: Best of 5 format, estimated 90 minutes

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Team Composition 3v3 (offered at select locations)

• Team Size: 3 players of the same gender.
• Event Format: Team matches comprise of 3 doubles with each player combination
• Matches: Minimum 3 pool matches, with elimination finals
• Match Duration: Best of 3 format, estimated 60 minutes

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Divisions

Teams are sorted into divisions based on DUPR ratings:

• DUPR 12, 14, 16, 18, and 22 (Champions Division)
• 50+Masters DUPR 14 and 20 (Champions Division)
  
  

Season Components

• Regional Events: 15+ nationwide (Feb–Jul)
• National Qualifiers: 8 regional qualifiers (Jul–Aug)
• National Championship: Top teams compete for national honours and secure a spot at USA nationals
• Leaderboards: National team & player performance tracking
• USA Nationals: December 2026
  
  

MiLP Pathway to National Championships

Qualification to MiLP National Championships (Nationals)

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MiLP serves as the sole pathway for amateur teams to qualify for Nationals

• Teams that place Top 2 in their MiLP Regional Qualifier in their given DUPR Division secure a spot in the draw at Nationals
• Teams can substitute a maximum of two (2) players if required, given their team does not exceed the DUPR cap for that division.
• Teams will represent their region at MiLP Nationals in their respective divisions.
• If not all team slots are accepted, invitations will be sent to the 3rd place teams.
• Athletes can participate in multiple qualifier events, but can only represent one team at Nationals.

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MiLP Pathway to Major League Pickleball Australia (MLPA)

Qualification for MLP

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MiLP serves as the sole pathway for Challenger & Masters 50+ MLPA team entry:

• Teams qualify by winning: Teams must win their MiLP National Qualifier Champions Division to secure a berth representing their region as an MLPA Challenger or Masters 50+ Team.
  No Draft or Captains: Teams qualify by performance, not by draft, captain pick, or invitation.
• Official MLPA Team Branding: Qualified teams receive their regional MLPA team uniform and branding recognition.
• Player Eligibility: Players drafted into Premier MLPA (June, 2026) are not eligible for MiLP National Qualifiers. If a player qualifies and is then drafted to Premier, the team may replace that player in addition to the one substitute the team is already allowed. 
• Qualifier Timing: National qualifying events run from July through August.

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MLPA Integration

• Qualifying teams will enter the MLPA Challenger or Masters 50+ competitions.
• Challenger teams from MiLP act as a feeder system, with opportunities to serve as onsite alternates and substitutions for Premier MLPA-level teams.
• All MiLP Champions division matches will be played under the official MiLP rules. Successful MLPA Teams will then compete under official MLPA rules as stated by the 2026 MLPA Rules and Regulations.

Event Rules & Conduct

Match Rules

• Scoring & Format: Matches will follow the official MiLP format (women's doubles, men's doubles, mixed doubles + DreamBreaker).
• Refereeing & Appeals: All official MiLP events will have certified referees. Any dispute follows the MiLP dispute resolution pathway.

https://www.dupr.com/minorleague/rules

Player Eligibility

• Players must have a current DUPR rating to compete in division events.
• Players must be a current Pickleball Australia Member (For Australian events)
• Players from Australia and New Zealand are eligible
• 50+ division teams require all players to be age-eligible (already 50+ or turning 50 in 2026).
• Team registrations close before each regional event as per published schedules.
  
  

Code of Conduct

• Players and teams must adhere to the MiLP and Pickleball Australia Code of Conduct, including sportsmanship, respect for officials, and fair competition.
• Unsportsmanlike behaviour (including intentional delays, abusive language, or manipulation of results) may lead to disqualification, or suspension.
  
  

FAQs

Q: Who can form a team?

A: Any group of four eligible players (2 male, 2 female) with valid DUPR ratings suitable for their division can form a team and register for MiLP events. There must be a minimum of 3 players on the team that reside in that state for Champions Division events. 

Q: How do I know my division?

A: Divisions are assigned based on the aggregated DUPR ratings of your team. Organisers publish division cut-offs for each event as per MiLP guidelines.

Q: How many regional qualifiers are there?

A: There are 8 national regional qualifiers across Australia/New Zealand. Winners in each Champions Division earn MLPA Challenger or Masters 50+ qualification.

Q: What happens after qualification?

A: Qualified teams compete in the MLPA Challenger or Masters 50+ season, representing their region's MLPA team with official team uniforms and branding. MLPA will consist of 4 events across September - November.

Q: Can you play multiple qualifiers?

A: Yes. If you have won through different regional events, this is possible. However, you can only qualify for one MLPA Team. Once your team has won a National Qualifier and secured a spot in MLPA, you are ineligible to win in another region.

Q: Is there prize money?

A: MiLP awards medals for the top 2 at events. MLPA Challenger/Masters competition has separate prize structures to be confirmed as the 2026 tour structure is solidified.

Q: Where can I find schedules and scores?

A: Official schedules, leaderboards, and results are published via the MiLP Australia website and across official social media channels as the season progresses.

Definitions

DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating):
A universal rating system used to determine skill levels for division placement and event entry.

Champions Division:
The top competitive tier within each DUPR bracket that qualifies for MLPA.

DreamBreaker Format:
If two teams playing a Match are tied 2–2 after the doubles and mixed doubles Games, a singles DreamBreaker^TM will be played.

Governance & Amendments

MiLP is governed by the MLPA League Commissioner, Sange Carter and managed by the MiLP Co-ordinator, Dan Sypkes. Rules, formats, and scheduling may be updated annually to reflect community growth and competitive balance. Participants will be notified of material changes ahead of the competitive season.

For further information or questions, contact Dan: dan@ppatour.com.au

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