American-Born, Rapidly Expanding League "MiLP" Makes Its Japan Debut — Pickleball Japan Secures Exclusive License, Nationwide League Set to Launch
- May 14
- 3 min read
Expanding Simultaneously Across 20 Countries — Club Recruitment Now Open Nationwide in Japan
Pickleball Japan (hereinafter "PJ") is pleased to announce that it has concluded an exclusive licensing agreement in Japan for "Minor League Pickleball (MiLP)" An amateur league originating in the United States, and will begin its nationwide rollout across Japan starting in 2026.
■ A New League "Open to Everyone"
MiLP is a league format that adds the new appeal of team competition to pickleball, a sport that has traditionally centered on individual play.
Its greatest feature is its exceptional accessibility — regardless of age, gender, or skill level, anyone from beginners to experienced players can participate as a member of a team.
While pickleball is beginning to see top-level competitive play emerge, at its core it is a sport that "everyone can participate in," and it is rapidly spreading around the world.
■ Rapid Expansion in the U.S. — Over 1,500 Matches Per Year
MiLP was born in the United States and has since grown to host more than 1,500 matches annually.
Operating in conjunction with the professional league Major League Pickleball (MLP), MiLP is also positioned as a gateway to the pros, giving rise to a new competitive pathway from amateur to professional play.
■ 2026: Simultaneous Launch Across 20 Countries
MiLP will begin its global expansion in 2026, with Japan being one of the 20 countries selected for the rollout.
As the official partner in Japan, PJ will drive the promotion of the league domestically and work to build a solid foundation for the sport throughout the country.
■ League Launches Nationwide Across Japan
This project is open to pickleball communities across Japan — including companies, circles, clubs, tennis facilities, and local governments — to apply as participating clubs.
Selected clubs will be registered as "MiLP Digital Clubs" and will receive a league operations kit, the globally standardized rules and match format, and official league certification, enabling them to host tournaments in their respective regions.
By becoming a Digital Club, organizations can host MiLP tournaments in Japan under the same world-standard format used in the United States. Official league play is available with a minimum of 8 teams per event.
■ Results Recognized on a Global Standard
All match results will be reflected in the international rating system "DUPR," with player performance recorded against a globally unified standard.
■ Points Rankings and the "Dream Ticket"
MiLP Japan will award points to players based on their results at each tournament throughout the year. As of September 30, 2026, the highest-ranked individual player in each category will receive a "Dream Ticket" to the "Pickleball Japan League (PJL) Burger King Cup," scheduled to be held at Ariake Tennis no Mori in October 2026. Selected players may form a team of their choosing to compete in PJL, with all team entry fees waived. Furthermore, top-ranked players as of January 31, 2027 will receive a "Dream Ticket" to the MiLP National Tournament held in the United States.
■ Club Applications Now Open
We are currently accepting applications from clubs wishing to join MiLP Japan. Anyone who loves pickleball — regardless of skill level or age — is welcome to be part of this league.
"We want to host tournaments through our circle or club."
"We want to launch a league in our region."
We look forward to welcoming all who share this vision.
▶ Inquiry Form
■ Sponsorship Opportunities
To mark the Japanese launch of this league, we are inviting corporate sponsors. Pickleball is a rapidly growing sport attracting global attention for the values it creates — health promotion, the formation of new communities, and cross-generational connection.
We welcome inquiries from companies that share our vision for this project.
▶ Sponsorship Inquiries contact@japanpickleball.org
■ About Pickleball Japan (PJ)
Pickleball Japan (PJ) is the governing body for pickleball in Japan, dedicated to promoting the sport, organizing tournaments, fostering international partnerships, and developing the competitive infrastructure.
Organization: Pickleball Japan Headquarters: 4-1-15 Hiroo, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Offices: Tokyo Office: 3-27-14 Asakusabashi, Taito-ku, Tokyo Osaka Office: Mitsubishi UFJ Trust Bank Osaka Building MUIC Kansai, 3-6-3 Fushimimachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka
【Official Website】 https://unified.japanpickleball.org 【Instagram】 https://www.instagram.com/pickleballjapanfederation/ 【Facebook】 https://www.facebook.com/pickleballjapan 【X】 https://x.com/pjf_official
■ Contact
Pickleball Japan (PJ) Email: contact@japanpickleball.org
PJ Press Release Archive https://prtimes.jp/main/html/searchrlp/company_id/144389
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