The Dink Minor League Pickleball Goes Global with the Launch of the Nations Cup

"This isn’t just for elite athletes. It’s for the entire pickleball community."

At last year's The Dink Minor League Pickleball National Championships, players from 26 different countries showed up, competed, and made one thing very clear: this isn’t just a U.S. movement anymore.

It’s global.

And now, Minor League Pickleball is building for that reality.

To recognize that shift, DUPR is introducing the Nations Cup. A chance for teams to represent their country as part of the newly branded The Dink Minor League Pickleball Championships in 2027.

The Dink Minor League Pickleball Championships: 2026 Schedule

Beginning with the upcoming season, The Dink MiLP Championships will now take place in February 2027, shifting away from its previous December schedule

The Dink PickleballLuke Burton

The Dink Minor League Pickleball Championships are moving to an early slot in February or March 2027 and teams will be able to qualify for the below events:

• Minor League Pickleball (MiLP)
• MiLP 50+
• MiLP v3
• MiLP Nations Cup (new)

What is the Nations Cup?

At its core, the Nations Cup is simple: it’s country vs country pickleball.

Instead of representing your local club or city, players will represent their nation, competing in the same team-based format that defines Minor League Pickleball.

Here’s how it works:

• Mixed-gender teams
• Standard MiLPlay format
• DUPR-based divisions
• 3 to 4 divisions in Year 1
• One team per country per division

Qualification will run through existing domestic and regional Minor League pathways, meaning players around the world will have a clear route to earn their spot.

There are already a large number of countries who confirmed they are going to be sending a team to represent their country, including:

• United States
• Canada
• China
• Australia
• New Zealand
• Thailand
• Puerto Rico

The Dink Minor League Pickleball Sees Growth in England

Since launching its first UK event in October 2025, the team-based format has quickly found an audience among competitive recreational players across England.

The Dink PickleballLuke Burton

“This Isn’t Just for Elite Athletes”

Says Caroline Luelf, Director of The Dink Minor League Pickleball powered by DUPR:

"At our last Minor League Pickleball National Championship, we had 26 countries represented. That was a big moment for us. It showed that this movement is no longer local, it’s global.

"The launch of the Minor League Nations Cup is a natural next step. We want to give players around the world the opportunity to represent their country in a structured team format, regardless of their level of play. This isn’t just for elite athletes. It’s for the entire pickleball community.

"The Nations Cup is about pride, connection, and creating a true international pathway for amateur players everywhere.”

How Qualify for The Dink Minor League Pickleball Championships

Qualification for the Minor League Pickleball Championships will continue to follow the established MiLP pathway.

Players can earn their spot through the National Leaderboard, where top-ranked players receive invites and form teams, or by securing a Dream Ticket at a State Championship or Regional Showdown. Regionals will continue to carry added weight with increased points, while both pathways ensure that teams earn their way in through consistent performance across the season.

MLP Launches The Dink MiLP Regional Showdowns for Amateur Players

The events are designed to give amateur players a clearer pathway into high-level competition while experiencing the atmosphere of professional pickleball.

The Dink PickleballAlex E. Weaver