Pickleball Japan Secures Exclusive Japan License for Minor League Pickleball, Launching Nationwide in 2026

The Japan Pickleball Federation, officially the General Incorporated Foundation Pickleball Japan (Pickleball Japan, or PJ), announced that it has signed an exclusive licensing agreement for Japan with Minor League Pickleball (MiLP), an amateur league originating in the United States. The league will begin rolling out across Japan in 2026. ■ A new league that anyone can join MiLP is a league format that adds the appeal of team competition to pickleball, a sport that has traditionally centered on individual matches. Its greatest feature is its accessibility: regardless of age, gender, or skill level, anyone from beginners to experienced players can participate as part of a team. While pickleball is beginning to develop a top-level competitive scene, it is also rapidly spreading worldwide as a sport that is fundamentally open to everyone. ■ Rapid growth in the United States, with more than 1,500 matches per year MiLP was created in the United States and has grown to the point where more than 1,500 matches are now held annually. Working in connection with the professional Major League Pickleball (MLP), MiLP is positioned as a gateway to the professional level, creating a new competitive pathway from amateur to pro. ■ Global rollout in 20 countries in 2026 MiLP will begin its global expansion in 2026, with Japan included as one of the 20 launch countries. As the official partner in Japan, PJ will promote the league domestically and help build the country’s competitive infrastructure. ■ League launch across Japan The project will recruit participating clubs from pickleball communities across Japan, including companies, circles, clubs, tennis facilities, and local governments. Selected clubs will be registered as “MiLP Digital Clubs” and will be able to host tournaments in their regions while receiving a league operations kit, access to global rules and match formats, and recognition as official league events. By becoming a digital club, organizations in Japan will be able to host MiLP tournaments under the same global standards used in the United States. Official league events can be held with a minimum of eight teams per tournament. ■ Results aligned with global standards All match results will be reflected in DUPR, the international rating system, allowing player performance to be recorded according to a shared global standard. ■ Points rankings and “dream tickets” MiLP Japan will award points throughout the year based on tournament results. As of the end of September 2026, the individual player with the highest points total in each category will receive a “dream ticket” to the Pickleball Japan League (PJL) Burger King Cup, scheduled to be held at Ariake Tennis Forest in October 2026. Selected players will be able to form their own teams with members of their choice and compete in the PJL, with the entire team’s entry fee waived. In addition, top-ranked players as of the end of January 2027 will receive a “dream ticket” to the MiLP National Championship in the United States. ■ Participating clubs now being recruited MiLP Japan is currently recruiting participating clubs. Anyone who loves pickleball can get involved in the league, regardless of skill level or age. For those who want to host tournaments through their own circles or clubs, or launch a league in their local area, PJ welcomes participation. Inquiry form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScHsKfmJ7iTvKvorPLr1L7uOupIUq1EB0I-40TeqiKmOUDDCw/viewform?usp=publish-editor ■ Sponsors wanted To mark the launch of the league in Japan, PJ is seeking corporate sponsors. Pickleball is attracting global attention as a rapidly growing sport that creates value in areas such as health promotion, new community building, and intergenerational exchange. PJ welcomes inquiries from companies that share the vision of this project. Sponsorship inquiries: contact@japanpickleball.org ■ About Pickleball Japan (PJ) The Japan Pickleball Federation, officially the General Incorporated Foundation Pickleball Japan (PJ), is the governing body for pickleball in Japan. It promotes the spread of the sport, tournament operations, international collaboration, and the development of competitive infrastructure. Organization name: General Incorporated Foundation Pickleball Japan Headquarters: 4-1-15 Hiroo, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Secretariat: Tokyo Office: 3-27-14 Asakusabashi, Taito-ku, Tokyo Osaka Office: MUIC Kansai, Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking Osaka Building, 3-6-3 Fushimimachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, 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 General Incorporated Foundation Pickleball Japan (PJ) Email: contact@japanpickleball.org