Pickleball players are redefining sports salaries, with top professionals earning more than WNBA stars. This booming paddle sport has evolved from a backyard pastime into a professional powerhouse, creating lucrative opportunities for athletes through sponsorships, tournaments, and endorsements. In this article, we dive into why pickleball’s financial landscape is outshining established leagues like the WNBA and what it means for the future of sports.
The Numbers Don’t Lie: Pickleball’s Payouts Outshine
Recent reports reveal that the average salary for women competing in professional pickleball leagues, such as the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour and Major League Pickleball (MLP), is around $260,000 annually. For context, the highest WNBA salary is $252,450, while the average salary in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) is about $65,000. This stark contrast highlights the financial potential of pickleball and its growing appeal as a professional sport.
Take Anna Leigh Waters, for example. At just 17 years old, Waters is a pickleball prodigy poised to earn over $3 million in 2025 through tournament winnings, sponsorships, and endorsements. Her meteoric rise showcases the earning opportunities available in this booming sport.
Why Pickleball Is So Lucrative
- Low Barriers to Entry Unlike traditional sports requiring significant infrastructure, pickleball is accessible. A paddle and a court are all you need, making it easy for players of all ages to start. This inclusivity has fueled its rapid adoption and financial success.
- Massive Growth in Participation Pickleball has seen a 650% increase in participation over the past six years, with over 36.5 million Americans playing in 2024. This unprecedented growth has drawn significant investments and sponsorships.
- Corporate Sponsorships Brands like Skechers, Franklin Sports, and Selkirk are pouring money into pickleball. This influx of sponsorship dollars has elevated prize pools and player earnings, creating an ecosystem where even mid-tier players can make a living.
- Celebrity Endorsements and Investments High-profile figures like LeBron James, Tom Brady, and Kevin Durant have invested in pickleball teams, bringing mainstream attention to the sport. Their involvement has increased the sport’s legitimacy and attracted a broader audience.
Inside the Life of Pickleball’s Top Earners
Anna Leigh Waters: The Teen Sensation
Anna Leigh Waters is pickleball’s youngest superstar and a household name in the sport. At 17, she has dominated tournaments worldwide, collecting titles and endorsements. Her earning potential surpasses many WNBA stars, with deals from major brands like Skechers and Jigsaw Health. Waters’s journey from a casual player to a millionaire athlete is inspiring young athletes to consider pickleball as a career.
Ben Johns: The Face of Men’s Pickleball
On the men’s side, Ben Johns has become the face of professional pickleball. With multiple championship titles, he earns upwards of $1.5 million annually. Johns has partnered with Franklin Sports and created his own signature paddle line, further cementing his status as a trailblazer in the sport.
How Pickleball’s Structure Supports Earnings
Unlike traditional sports leagues, pickleball’s financial structure is tailored to reward individual performance. Here’s how:
- High Prize Pools: Major tournaments, such as the U.S. Open Pickleball Championships, offer prize pools exceeding $1 million.
- Flexible Endorsements: Players can sign deals with multiple sponsors, ranging from paddle manufacturers to lifestyle brands.
- Revenue Sharing: Leagues like MLP incorporate innovative revenue-sharing models, ensuring top players benefit from the sport’s overall growth.
What This Means for Women’s Sports
Pickleball’s success highlights a broader conversation about pay equity in women’s sports. While leagues like the WNBA have long battled for fair compensation, pickleball has sidestepped these challenges by creating a new, more inclusive economic model. The result? Women in pickleball are thriving financially, enjoying the kind of earnings that other leagues aspire to provide.
The Future of Pickleball
As pickleball continues to grow, so does its potential for professional athletes. Advancements like AI-powered match scheduling and dynamic ranking systems are making the sport even more accessible and competitive. New players are entering the scene, drawn by the promise of financial rewards and the sport’s welcoming community.
Industry experts predict that by 2030, pickleball could rival tennis in global popularity, with a professional circuit that rivals those of more established sports. With its inclusive culture, lucrative opportunities, and dedicated fan base, pickleball’s future looks brighter than ever.
Conclusion: Why Pickleball Is the Sport to Watch
Pickleball’s rise from a recreational activity to a professional powerhouse is nothing short of extraordinary. The fact that its top female players are out-earning stars in the WNBA and NWSL is a testament to the sport’s explosive growth and the opportunities it offers. Whether you’re an aspiring athlete or a casual fan, now is the perfect time to join the pickleball revolution.
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