MiLP Regional Showdowns at MLP Events: What You Need to Know

Major League Pickleball (MLP presented by DoorDash) is expanding the pathway to competition with the introduction of Minor League Pickleball (MiLP) Regional Showdowns.

This new format — MiLP at MLP — brings amateur team play directly onto the biggest stage in professional pickleball.

Players from across the country will now have the opportunity to compete alongside MLP events, experiencing the same:

• High-energy atmosphere
• Team camaraderie
• High-stakes competition

It’s faster, louder, and more connected than ever before.

Whether you're chasing a title, representing your city, or stepping onto an MLP stage for the first time, this is where the next generation of team pickleball begins.

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What Are MiLP Regional Showdowns?

MiLP Regional Showdowns are four-player team competitions played using the official Minor League Pickleball format.

Each team consists of:

• 2 women
• 2 men

Teams compete in a structured format designed to mirror the excitement and strategy of professional MLP play.

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Where and When Are These Events Happening?

MiLP Regional Showdowns will take place at select MLP event stops throughout the 2026 season.

Locations and dates will be announced soon.

👉 Find upcoming MiLP Regional Showdowns and register here

Be sure to check back regularly as new events are added.

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Who Can Play?

Anyone with an active DUPR account is eligible to compete.

Events are open to:

• All ages
• All skill levels

Teams are placed into divisions based on DUPR ratings, ensuring fair and competitive matchups.

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How Do You Register?

Players have two ways to compete:

Join an MLP-Affiliated Team

Some MLP organizations operate Minor League teams, allowing players to:

• Try out or opt in
• Represent an official MLP-affiliated team

Available teams and roster opportunities will be announced as they become available.

Create Your Own Team

You can also register independently with your own squad:

• Form a team with friends
• Compete under your own team name
• Play in the same format and divisions as all other teams

👉 Search for events and register your team here

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Why Compete in a Regional Showdown?

Regional Showdowns aren’t just events — they’re a pathway to something bigger.

By competing, you can:

• Build your DUPR match history and rating reliability
• Earn points toward the MiLP National Leaderboard
• Compete in an official team-based format
• Win your division and earn a Dream Ticket

Every match contributes to your season-long progress.

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What Is a Dream Ticket?

A Dream Ticket is an automatic invitation to compete at the:

MiLP National Championship

Dream Tickets are awarded to teams that:

• Win their division at a Regional Showdown

This is one of the most direct paths to competing at the highest level of amateur team pickleball.

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What Is the MiLP National Championship?

The MiLP National Championship is the top amateur team competition in pickleball.

The field includes:

• Dream Ticket winners
• Top teams from the MiLP National Leaderboard
• Select invited teams, including MLP-affiliated programs

The event features:

• Divisions across all DUPR levels
• $100,000 in prize money

Every Regional Showdown match helps build toward this moment.

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Where to Learn More About MiLP

For a full breakdown of Minor League Pickleball — including:

• Format and scoring
• Rankings and leaderboard
• Championship qualification

👉 Learn more about MiLP here

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Get in the Game

If you’ve been looking for a way to compete in a team-based format on a bigger stage, this is your opportunity.

MiLP Regional Showdowns bring together:

• Competitive play
• Team energy
• A clear path to national competition

👉 Browse upcoming events and sign up for your Regional Showdown here 

Spots will fill quickly as events are announced — don’t miss your chance to be part of the next wave of team pickleball.