The 2026 MiLP season is well underway, and it's the biggest amateur pickleball pathway Australia and New Zealand have ever offered. Across two countries, dozens of Regional events, and two brand-new National Championships, the road from your home court to the Official USA MiLP Nationals has never been clearer.
Here's how to take your shot.
The Path - In Four Steps
Stage 1 - Play a Regional
The journey starts at your local Regional event. These are the open-entry tournaments that put your team on the leaderboard. Up to 8 DUPR divisions are offered at each event:
- DUPR 12, 14, 16, 18 or 22 (open age).
- DUPR (50+) 14, 16, 20.
Match format is Women's Doubles + Men's Doubles + two Mixed Doubles + DreamBreaker if tied 2–2. Minimum 3 pool matches per team. Every player needs a verified DUPR rating. Australian players also need a current Pickleball Australia membership.
New Zealand Regional Events
The MiLP New Zealand Regional Showdown circuit runs from March through August 2026, with multiple events nationwide feeding into the NZ Nationals. The Wellington Qualifier event takes place 8 August 2026 for Major League Pickleball Qualification at Love Pickle.
Stage 2 - Qualify for Nationals
Top 2 finishers in each division at each Regional event earn a direct invitation to their country's MiLP Nationals. If a spot is declined, it rolls down to third place. Division leaderboard standouts also receive invitations. New Zealand Bonus: Top 2 finishers in each division also get an invite to the Australian MiLP Nationals with a chance to play and qualify for the USA.
Top 2 placed WA, TAS, and SA-based teams get direct entry to Australia MiLP National Championships
The 2026 Calendar
The Two National Championships
| Championship | Dates | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Australian MiLP Nationals | 18–20 September 2026 | Melbourne |
| New Zealand MiLP Nationals (inaugural) | 6–8 November 2026 | Wellington |
Win your division and you're not just a national champion - you're on the next plane to the USA.
Stage 4 - The USA Prize
The reward at the top of the pathway is the same on both sides of the Tasman: Dink MiLP USA Nationals in March 2027.
- From AUS Nationals: Champion team in each division earn USA Nationals invitations
- From NZ Nationals: Champion teams in each division earn USA Nationals invitations
- Bonus Invite: Finish #1 on the MiLP DUPR Division Leaderboard and your team gets an invite to the USA Nationals
Two countries. Two paths. One destination. The States.
Format & Eligibility Essentials
- Team format: 4 players, 2 male + 2 female (co-ed roster)
- Match format: Women's Doubles + Men's Doubles + 2× Mixed Doubles + DreamBreaker if tied 2–2
- 3v3 single-gender format also available at select events
- DUPR: All players need a current verified DUPR rating
- Memberships: Australian players need a current Pickleball Australia membership
- Masters 50+: Every player must be 50+ in 2026
- Substitutes: Allowed provided the DUPR cap remains valid.
How to Register
- MiLP Australia - Regionals & Nationals registration: https://pickleballtournaments.com/ Search - Minor League or head to the PPA Tour Australia tab
- Official MiLP rules: dupr.com/minorleague/rules
- DUPR verification: dupr.com
Whether you're a weekend warrior chasing your first national title or a Masters team building toward a March 2027 flight to the USA, the 2026 MiLP season is your stage.
Find your four. Pick your event. Take your shot.
See you on the court.
Dan Sypkes
MiLP Co-ordinator - Australia & New Zealand
Questions about eligibility, registration, or rules? Email Dan Sypkes at dan@ppatour.com.au.
