The Dink Minor League Championships Move to February: Here’s How to Qualify

The biggest team event in amateur pickleball is getting a new spot on the calendar.

Beginning with the upcoming season, The Dink Minor League Pickleball Championships will now take place in February 2027, shifting from its previous December schedule.

This change better aligns with the growing global season and gives players a full runway to compete, earn points, and qualify.

The official dates and host location will be announced soon.

👉 Stay updated and find upcoming qualifying events here

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The Pathway to the 2027 Championships

There’s more than one way to qualify for The Dink Minor League Pickleball Championships.

Players and teams can earn their spot through multiple pathways:

• USA National Leaderboard
• Dream Tickets (State Championships & Regional Showdowns)
• MLP MiLP Team Bids
• International Pathways
• Collegiate Pathway (launching August 2027)
• USA Nations Cup Qualifier

Each pathway leads to the same destination:

Competing for championship titles and a share of $100,000 in prize money.

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1. USA National Leaderboard

One of the most common ways to qualify is through the USA National Leaderboard.

Players earn points by competing in official events throughout the season, including:

• Local tournaments
• State Championships
• Regional Showdowns

Points are awarded based on team performance:

• 1st place: 1,000 points per player
• 2nd place: 900 points per player
• Points decrease through the standings

⭐ Regional Showdowns award double points, making them some of the most valuable events on the calendar.

Even though you compete as a team, points are tracked individually.

At the end of the season, top-ranked players in each division earn invitations to form teams and compete at the Championships.

👉 Find leaderboard events and start earning points here

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2. Dream Tickets

The fastest way to qualify is by earning a Dream Ticket.

Dream Tickets are awarded at:

• State Championships
• Regional Showdowns

If your team wins gold in your division, you automatically secure a spot at the Championships.

How Dream Tickets Work:

• The gold medal team earns the Dream Ticket
• Teams must keep at least 2 original players
• Teams may replace up to 2 players before the Championships
• Full original teams stay in the same division (if criteria are met)

Dream Tickets are one of the most exciting parts of the system — one big performance can punch your ticket.

👉 Browse Dream Ticket qualifying events here

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3. Major League Pickleball Team Bids

MLP-affiliated Minor League teams may also receive direct bids to the Championships.

These bids may come through:

• Dream Ticket wins
• Wild Card selections
• Special partnered events

However, all players must still:

• Compete in at least one official Minor League Pickleball event

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4. International Pathways

The Dink Minor League Pickleball is expanding globally.

Players from around the world can qualify through their country’s system:

• National leaderboards
• Regional qualifying events
• Country-specific pathways

Top teams from each region advance to compete at the Championships.

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5. The College Pathway

A new College Pathway is launching in August 2027.

This pathway allows college players to qualify while competing with their school teams.

Requirements include:

• Must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours
• Must compete with teammates from the same school

More details will be announced as the program rolls out.

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6. The Nations Cup Pathway

A brand-new international competition — the Nations Cup — is also being introduced.

This event will:

• Feature players representing their countries
• Run alongside the Championships
• Provide an additional qualification pathway

More details on format and qualification will be announced soon.

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The Road to the Championships

With the Championships now set for February 2027, players have a full season to qualify.

Some teams will earn their spot through:

• Dream Ticket victories
• Leaderboard rankings
• MLP team bids
• International and collegiate pathways

No matter the route, the goal is the same:

Compete at the highest level of amateur team pickleball.

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Get Started: Find Your Path to the Championships

If you’re serious about competing, now is the time to start.

Every match you play can move you closer to qualifying.

👉 Search upcoming Minor League Pickleball events and register here

Whether you're chasing leaderboard points or going all-in for a Dream Ticket, your journey starts with your next event.

The road to February 2027 starts now.

Get your team together, get on the court, and take your shot at competing among the best.