How Much Money do Pro Pickleball Players Make?
Breaking it Down
Breaking Down the Factors That Determine Pickleball Player Salaries
Pickleball has been gaining immense popularity in recent years, and with its growing fanbase, the salaries of its players have also been on the rise. But have you ever wondered what determines the earnings of a pickleball player? Is it their skill level, experience, or popularity? In this article, we will be breaking down the factors that determine the salaries of pickleball players and give insight into what it takes to make it big in the sport. From tournament winnings to sponsorships, we'll explore the various sources of income for pickleball players and how they contribute to their overall earnings. So, whether you're an aspiring athlete looking to make a career in pickleball or a curious fan, this article will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the financial landscape of this exciting sport. Let's dive in and uncover the secrets behind the pickleball player salaries!
What is a "pro" pickleball player?
There have historically been two categories of "pro" when it comes to pickleball. There are "touring" pros, which are often paid additional incentives to play in a certain number of tournaments (see PPA touring pros), and there are those who play in the "pro" division, which often requires a minimum rating and a higher entry fee. Playing in the pro division not only allows up-and-comers the ability to play against the best, but it also has the additional incentive of prize money for winning matches.Pickleball Tournament Winnings
A significant sources of income for pro pickleball players is tournament winnings. The sport has been growing rapidly in recent years, and with that growth, the number of tournaments has also increased. Players can participate in tournaments at the local, regional, and national levels. The prize money for these tournaments can vary depending on the level of the tournament and the number of players participating. The top players can earn a significant amount of money from tournament winnings alone.Prize money in pickleball is growing at an exponential rate. In 2022, payouts from the three major tours totalled $5 million dollars. The PPA Tour ($3M), The APP Tour ($1M), and Major League Pickleball ($1M). In 2023, MLP alone will be paying out $5 million dollars, a HUGE increase over 2022. As sponsors flood the pickleball market, expect prize money to continue to skyrocket.
NML Pickleball recently documented the Pro Prize Money Winnings for the top 20 pickleball pros in 2022. They list Ben Johns at the top of the pack winning over $115k. No other pro got paid as much in prize money. In fact, after the top 3, the total winnings dropped significantly down to $57k. Last on their list of the top 20 was Leigh Waters banking $25k. Nothing to sneeze at, but there are a LOT of pros below the top 20.
Pickleball Coaching, Camps, & Clinics
Many pros turn to coaching and clinics to supplement their tournament winnings. This can range from a single one-hour coaching session to multi-day clinics and camps like Tyson McGuffin's TM Signature PB Camps, which run around $320 per day per person. The price tag is often dependent on how popular the player is and how well they're doing in the tournament scene, but with the boom in players across the world, there is plenty of room for pros to make a living by coaching.Endorsement Deals & Sponsorships
Endorsement deals are another significant source of income for pickleball players. As the sport has gained popularity, more and more companies are looking to sponsor pickleball players. These companies can range from equipment manufacturers to sports clothing brands. The amount of money that a player can earn from an endorsement deal can vary depending on the company and the player's popularity.Players who have a significant social media following and a strong fan base are more likely to attract endorsement deals. The endorsement deals can be for equipment, clothing, or even food and drink products. Players who have a strong public image and a good reputation are more likely to attract endorsement deals. The endorsement deals can be a significant source of income for players, and some players can earn more from endorsement deals than from tournament winnings.
From paddle manufacturers tossing out the huge amounts of cash for signature deals to drink commercials and DUPR commercials, the top pros are definitely raking in much more than $50k a year. But just like every sport, for every top-tier pro banking on sponsorships, there are 10 or more that aren't. Individual deals can range from a few thousand dollars for a commercial appearance all the way up to multi-year paddle deals that can run in the multi-millions.
Product Sales
Pickleball players can also earn money from selling products. Players who have a strong public image and a good reputation can sell their products, such as clothing, equipment, and accessories. The players can sell their products through their website, social media pages, and at tournaments. Players who have a strong fan base and a good reputation are more likely to sell their products successfully.The amount of money that a player can earn from product sales can vary depending on the player's popularity and the product's demand. Players can use their social media presence to promote their products and increase their sales. A player's ability to sell products successfully can have a significant impact on their earnings.
What about Major League Pickleball?
In 2021, Major League Pickleball came on to the scene. With a lot of prize money and even more notoriety, the MLP offered a new category of "pro". In 2023, they're expanding to two leagues, the Pro League, and the Challenger League. Both offer additional opportunities for pro players to earn an income, though as in any pro sport, only the elite get drafted with a total of 96 players getting drafted in 2023.Who are the highest paid pro pickleball players?
Future of Pickleball Player Salaries
The future of pickleball player salaries looks bright. The sport is growing rapidly, and with that growth, the salaries of its players are also on the rise. The sport is attracting more players, fans, and sponsors, which will have a positive impact on the salaries of its players. The sport is also becoming more professional, with players dedicating more time and effort to training and competing.The salaries of pickleball players are determined by various factors, including tournament earnings, endorsement deals, sponsorships, product sales, coaching and clinics, social media presence, player rankings and performance, and gender. The future of pickleball player salaries looks bright, and players who have a strong work ethic, a good reputation, and a strong social media presence are more likely to earn significant amounts of money from the sport. So, whether you're an aspiring athlete looking to make a career in pickleball or a curious fan, the future looks bright for this exciting sport.
PPA Pro Player Payouts
APP Tournament Prize Money Payouts
Asked on
Dec 28th, 2022
Dec 28th, 2022
