The Canadian National Pickleball League (CNPL) is excited to announce multiple opportunities for players across Canada to qualify for the highly anticipated 2026 CNPL Draft, scheduled for January 27, 2026.
Upcoming Qualifier Events:
CANADA The Dink Minor League Pickleball West – Regional Showdown @ IPOP Burnaby
- Date: November 8, 2025
- Location: Burnaby, BC
- Registration: CAD $85.00
- Qualify for CNPL: Participate in the DUPR 20 division
CANADA The Dink Minor League Pickleball @ Cross Court Pickleball
- Date: December 6, 2025
- Location: Cole Harbour, NS (1350 Cole Harbour Rd, Dartmouth)
- Registration: CAD $85.00
- Qualify for CNPL: Participate in the DUPR 22 division
CANADA The Dink Minor League Pickleball @ TopZpin Hitlabs
- Date: December 6-7, 2025
- Location: Saskatoon, SK (405-1222 Quebec Avenue)
- Registration: CAD $65.00
- Qualify for CNPL: Participate in the DUPR 20 division
CANADA The Dink Minor League Pickleball & CNPL Showdown @ Smash Pickleball London
- Date: December 13, 2025
- Location: London, ON (1040 Wharncliffe Rd S)
- Registration: Varies by division
- Qualify for CNPL: Participate in the ANY DUPR division
CANADA The Dink Minor League Pickleball powered by MTL Pickleball @ Legend
- Date: December 13, 2025
- Location: Kirkland, QC (3-500 Rue Jean-Yves, Dorval)
- Registration: CAD $70.00
- Qualify for CNPL: Participate in the DUPR 20 division
2026 Qualification Requirements
To be eligible for the 2026 CNPL Draft, players must meet one of the following criteria:
- Previous CNPL roster player: If you were on a roster for the 2025 season, you automatically qualify for the 2026 draft
- Recognized league contract: If you were on an MLP (US or Australia) or NPL (Australia) roster for the 2025 season, you automatically qualify for the 2026 draft
- Qualifier tournament participation: Compete (or have competed) in one of the official Dink Minor League Canada events in 2025 @ DUPR 20 or DUPR 22 level
- Showdown participation: Compete (or have competed) in a qualifier event hosted by a CNPL team in 2025 (including the March 2025 CNPL Showdowns)
International Player Status
For the draft international players must note:
- Visa status must be established prior to September 1, 2025
- Teams may carry 1 international player + 1 temporary visa or work permit holder
- Players must select their category: born Canadian, landed Canadian, permit holder, or non-Canadian
What’s at Stake?
The draft consists of five rounds across eight teams: Pronghorns, Drive, Owls, Smash, Brewers, Lights, United, and Lions. With a regular season spanning 6-7 events from May through October, selected players will compete at the highest level of Canadian pickleball.
Registration is now open for all qualifier events. Don’t miss your shot at the CNPL.
Links:
Burnaby, BC – Active
Cole Harbour, NS – Active
Saskatoon, SK – Active
London, ON – Pending
Kirkland, QC – Active