How Much Do Pro Pickleball Players Make? Understanding the Professional Pickleball Landscape
The rapid ascent of professional pickleball has captured the attention of sports fans and investors worldwide. What began as a recreational pastime is now a global phenomenon, leading many to wonder: just how much do pro pickleball players make?
The answer is complex, reflecting a quickly evolving financial ecosystem where earnings vary drastically between the elite few and the wider field of professional pickleball players.
The Financial Landscape of Professional Pickleball: How Much Do Pickleball Players Make?
The earnings for a professional pickleball player range from $30,000 to over $1 million from a variety of income streams, not solely reliant on tournament winnings. In the current landscape of the United States, the major sports leagues like the PPA Tour (Professional Pickleball Association) and Major League Pickleball (MLP) provide the primary structure for competitive income.
As the sport matures, the chasm between the top-tier superstars and the mid-to-lower-ranked players is significant. In 2025, it’s estimated that the very best players are earning seven-figure incomes, while many others are still struggling to cover their travel expenses and registration fees.
- Elite Tier: The very top pro pickleball players are now estimated to earn between $1 million to $3 million annually. In 2024, Ben Johns disclosed his $2.5 million earnings to CNBC. This bracket is less than 1% of the professional field.
- Mid-Tier Pros: Players consistently ranked in the top 50 can expect to earn an estimated $100,000 to $250,000 per year through a combination of sources.
- Lower-Ranked Pros: For the majority of players striving to climb the ranks, annual earnings can fall between $30,000 and $75,000, forcing many to rely on supplemental income like coaching services.
Invest in your game as a pro invests in theirs. Shop our new collection of stylish, high-performance pickleball gear today!
Explore our pickleball apparel
Additional Sources of Income for Pickleball Players
The Power of Tournament Winnings and Prize Money
Tournament prize money is the most direct form of income. The PPA Tour is one of the most significant stages for earning, with large purses across its Slams, Cups, and Open events. The total prize pool for a major pickleball tournament like the US Open Pickleball Championships can exceed hundreds of thousands of dollars.
However, winning an event does not guarantee a massive payout comparable to tennis or golf. A major PPA Tour Open winner might take home thousands of dollars, though the exact amount varies greatly by event, division, and year. Prize money is usually split between partners in doubles events.
Major leagues like MLP also provide guaranteed income through contracts, which often include player stipends. For unsigned professional pickleball players competing in PPA events without a contract, the prize money is often reduced.
Sponsorships: The True Game-Changer
While tournament earnings are important, the foundation of a top pro pickleball player's wealth is built on sponsorship deals and endorsement deals. As pickleball's inception gives way to its mainstream popularity, major brands are investing heavily.
Key Types of Endorsements:
- Equipment/Apparel: Deals with sports and apparel companies involve promoting specific pickleball paddles, shoes, and gear. These deals range from free equipment to substantial multi-year, six or seven-figure contracts.
- Product Endorsements: Non-pickleball specific companies (e.g., health supplements, car dealerships) secure the use of a player's image to market their own products.
- Player Appearance Fees: Top players command a fee just to show up at an event, clinic, or corporate gathering. These player appearance fees can add tens of thousands to a player's annual income.
Elevate your presence on the court with our performance apparel, built for every rally and victory.
How to Start as a Professional Pickleball Player
Embarking on a journey to become a professional requires more than just skill; it involves a substantial initial investment in training, travel, and competition. However, the rapidly expanding opportunities, increasing prize money, and potential for lucrative sponsorship deals mean the long-term rewards are certainly worthwhile. Building a successful career requires dedication and a strategic, personalized timeline.
-
Cultivate a Marketable Professional Image: Building a strong personal brand is key to attracting sponsors. You must invest in pickleball apparel and gear, ensuring a professional look on court; considering brands like Eleven Social Club is a great starting point for attractive pickleball clothing.
-
Master the Game and Obtain a Pro-Level Rating: You must consistently play at a 5.0+ skill level to be competitive. Seek intense training from high-level coaches at reputable pickleball academies to refine footwork, strategy, and power. This mastery is essential for advancing.
-
Compete Heavily in Amateur Tournaments: Start in lower-level pickleball tournaments to gain competitive experience and secure a solid player ranking. You must consistently sign up for regional events to build your profile before challenging top-tier amateur players and eventually pros.
-
Secure Coaching and Mentorship: Invest in professional coaching to develop a structured training plan and identify weaknesses. A mentor can help navigate the complex politics of the pro-level league and fast-track your understanding of the game’s evolving strategy.
-
Form a Strategic Tournament Schedule: Craft a personalized timeline of competitions, focusing on events that offer high PPA ranking points or guaranteed player stipends. This strategy maximizes your court time against high-level opponents while managing travel expenses.
Elevate your style and confidence with our exclusive performance pickleball collection.
Start Your Pickleball Journey with Eleven Social Club Performance Apparel
At Eleven Social Club, we believe your pickleball apparel should champion your confidence and community. We design pieces that seamlessly blend premium performance with head-turning style. From UV-protective shirts built for the court to transitional athleisure perfect for meetups, our gear ensures you move freely and look exceptional. We want you to feel connected, comfortable, and stylish every time you step on the court!
