The Dink Minor League Pickleball's MiLP v3 format has been in play for over a year, and its unique three-player team structure has proven to be a hit, with the 2025 National Championship selling out and all v3 divisions being filled. The format's success can be attributed to its ability to provide a fast-paced and strategic team experience, with three-player gendered teams competing in doubles team matchups without the use of the DreamBreaker rule.
How MiLP v3 Works
The MiLP v3 format is a round-robin team competition with guaranteed matches, where gendered teams of three players are broken into divisions based on their combined DUPR rating. The teams then compete against each other in three 21-point games, with the top teams facing off in a bracket playoff. The match format consists of three games, with players picking their lineups before the match starts. An example of the lineup is as follows: Player 1 and Player 2 from each team play the first game, Player 2 and Player 3 play the second game, and Player 1 and Player 3 play the third game.
The Minor League Pickleball Guarantee ensures predictable playing times and reduced waiting periods between matches, with guaranteed 6 games played and at least 3 matchups each. The format also provides a fair, level-based competitive experience, with teams competing in their respective DUPR divisions. The divisions are broken down into open age and age 50+ categories, with teams grouped by their combined DUPR rating.
The key aspects of the MiLP v3 format include:
- Three-player teams: Teams consist of either three females or three males competing in their own gender-based divisions.
- Three games to 21: Each matchup consists of three games, with players competing in two of those games.
- No DreamBreaker: The format does not use the DreamBreaker rule, allowing for a faster-paced game.
- Level-based competition: Teams are grouped by their combined DUPR rating, ensuring a fair and competitive experience.
- Guaranteed matches: The format provides guaranteed matches, with predictable playing times and reduced waiting periods between matches.
The MiLP v3 format has proven to be a success, with its unique structure and fast-paced gameplay appealing to both new and veteran players. The format's emphasis on strategy and teamwork has also made it an attractive option for players looking for a new challenge. With its own dedicated championships and national leaderboard, the MiLP v3 format is an integral part of the MiLP ecosystem, providing a real path to the biggest amateur stage in the sport.
