Minor League Pickleball at MLP Virginia Beach to Be Inaugural Event, September 28-29
MLP by Margaritaville (MLP) and DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) presented by Delaware Life today announced a partnership to launch MLP’s schedule of amateur events - which will operate alongside several 2024 MLP events, starting with MLP Virginia Beach in September - under Minor League Pickleball (MiLP) branding, format, event management and operations.
“This partnership between MLP and DUPR is an incredibly valuable component of the MiLP at MLP amateur events launch,” said MLP CEO Bruce Popko. “We can’t think of a better way to bring Major League Pickleball’s thrilling coed team format to amateur players, who will be able to play alongside MLP’s exhilarating and fan-friendly pro events.”
“DUPR, MLP and MiLP are joining forces to deliver the best pickleball experiences for players of all levels,” said DUPR CEO Tito Machado. “MLP's professional events are known for their electric atmosphere for players and fans, and now we are excited to offer amateur players across the country the once in a lifetime opportunity to compete like pros in their regions and advance towards a national championship."
These events will give registered amateurs the opportunity to play in events alongside MLP’s professional teams and players, supporting new, exciting pathways for players to compete and showcasing the connectivity within the broader pickleball community.
DUPR-preferred event directors will run the MiLP at MLP tournaments, providing the best amateur pickleball experience under the coed team format where mixed teams of four players (two women and two men) are broken into divisions based on their combined DUPR rating to compete against each other in four games played to 21 points (two gendered, two mixed).
Winners will earn a Dream Ticket and automatically qualify for the 2024 Minor League Pickleball National Championship, which will feature $50,000 in prize money across six divisions - DUPR 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22 - and be held at the Missouri Pickleball Club in Fenton, MO, Dec. 13-15.
Event registrations will be available through Pickleball Brackets:
About Major League Pickleball (MLP by Margaritaville)
MLP by Margaritaville (Major League Pickleball) is the preeminent team-based professional pickleball league, featuring nearly 100 of the best athletes across 22 teams, a unique coed format, easy to understand scoring, iconic team owners, and the most electric live events and fan experience in the sport. Founded in 2021, MLP named its first-ever title sponsor, Margaritaville, branding the league MLP by Margaritaville in December 2022. For more information on Major League Pickleball, visit the official website and follow MLP on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
About DUPR
DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) is the premier global pickleball rating system and technology platform, trusted by the world's leading clubs, tournaments, leagues and players. DUPR's dynamic rating system unifies pickleball across age, gender and location by analyzing match results to accurately evaluate all players across a 2.000 - 8.000 scale. Players and operators can visit the DUPR website or download the app to sign up and learn more.