How much do professional pickleball players make?
Average earnings for a professional pickleball player in 2023 range from $45,000 to $55,000, while top-rated players are earning six-figure income.
Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in the U.S. and has seen a rise in professional players who play the sport full-time. However, unlike other racket sports, pickleball does not have significant prize money. Professional pickleball players rely on various sources of income, including gear sponsorships, coaching sessions, clinics, and other endorsements.
A professional pickleball player can make anywhere from $25,000 to $200,000 a year. Gear sponsorship is usually the biggest source of income for these players, with some of the top players earning around $80,000 from sponsorships alone.
Who is a “Pro Player” in Pickleball Exactly?
In Pickleball, the word “professional” is thrown around quite loosely. It’s unlike any other sport because, not too long ago, all you had to do to enter a professional tournament was pay the entry fee. Then, you could compete against the best pickleball player in the world. So, not everyone playing in pro tournaments is actually a pro. In this case, professionals are those who play the sport full-time and are involved all year round.
Tournament Prize Money
Prize money contributes significantly to the earnings of pro players. The 2023 PPA tour will feature a $5.5 million prize money pool for 25 tournaments, making it the largest in the history of professional pickleball. However, the amount each pro player earns varies greatly. For instance, tournament winners receive approximately $2000 to $2500 in prize money for tier 1 tournaments. In contrast, lower-level pro pickleball tournaments may offer prize money as low as $125 (for a $79 tournament fee). Therefore, only top-tier pickleball players who consistently win big tournaments can make a decent living from the sport
Impact of Major League Pickleball (MLP) on Player Earnings
Major League Pickleball (MLP) has turned out to be a game-changer for pro pickleball athletes by giving them the chance to secure impressive prize money. This created a ripple effect, generating heightened interest among pickleball players and elevating the stakes in the sport, promising an exhilarating and fiercely competitive environment.
Major League Pickleball is offering up to $5 Million in total, making it the biggest prize money in pickleball history. The prize money is spread across 6 events, and each winning team of these events will take $100,000, which will be distributed among 4 team players. So each player can take $25,000 home in each event.
Not only do players now have the chance to compete at a higher level and win substantial prize money from MLP,, but they also benefit from sponsorships and endorsements that come with being part of a professional league.
The increased visibility and popularity of pickleball, thanks to MLP, have attracted more fans and sponsors, leading to larger prize pools and higher salaries for players. This has transformed the sport from a recreational activity to a legitimate career option for top players.
Sponsorships & Endorsements
The world of pickleball is now filled with top athletes sporting vibrant jerseys adorned with logos from their numerous sponsorships and endorsements. These partnerships not only provide financial support for players, but also help to raise the profile of the sport. Companies are eager to align themselves with successful players, as pickleball continues to grow in popularity. By partnering with athletes, brands can reach a wide audience of pickleball enthusiasts and potential customers. The table below showcases some of the top sponsorship and endorsement deals in the pickleball world
These partnerships not only provide financial stability for players, but also contribute to the growth and professionalization of the sport.
Coaching & Clinics
Coaching aspiring amateurs as well as conducting workshops and clinics is also an alternative ,but an attractive avenue for pro pickleball players to make some decent cash, but can vary greatly depending on several factors, including the player’s reputation, skill level, location, demand, and marketing efforts. Generally, pro pickleball players can earn a significant amount of money through coaching and clinics.
Many pro players charge an hourly rate for private coaching sessions, which can range from $50 to $150 or more per hour. They may also offer group clinics or workshops, which can generate additional income. The fees for these group sessions can vary depending on the duration, number of participants, and the player’s reputation. It is not uncommon for pro players to earn a few hundred dollars or more per hour for clinics and workshops.
Additionally, some pro players may offer online coaching programs or create instructional videos, which can further contribute to their income. These programs can be sold at various price points, depending on the content and value provided.
It’s important to note that the income earned from coaching and clinics can fluctuate based on factors such as seasonal demand, location, and the player’s availability. Therefore, while coaching and clinics can be a lucrative alternative source of income for pro pickleball players, it is difficult to provide an exact figure as it can vary greatly from player to player.
Online Presence
A strong online presence, like Simone Jardim & few others, particularly on social media platforms, can lead to collaborations with brands for sponsored content and paid promotions. As a pro pickleball player, they can leverage their following to promote products, events, or services and earn income through brand partnerships.
They can create and monetize content related to the sport. This can include creating blogs, vlogs, or podcasts, where they share their experiences, insights, and tips. By attracting a loyal audience, they can earn income through ad revenue, sponsorships, or even by selling merchandise. Right now there is no available data on how much these pro pickleball players make through their online presence.
Top Earner’s in Pro Pickleball
Above list is based on estimated prize money and sponsorship earnings for the year 2022 & 2023 & may change in future.
Pickleball Players Earnings Growth
According to The Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) players could potentially earn 64% more in 2023 compared to the current earnings. This significant increase is primarily attributed to various factors such as increased prize money, a rise in the number of tournaments, and more prominent brands showing interest in the growing pickleball trend.
One of the key factors contributing to the projected rise in earnings is the substantial growth in prize money. As pickleball continues to gain popularity, PPA & APP are expected to offer larger prize pools, attracting more top-level players and increasing the overall earnings potential for professionals. With the sport’s increasing fan base and viewership, sponsors and organizers are likely to invest more money into tournament purses, boosting the financial rewards for players.
Earnings Potential In Upcoming Year
Pickleball, a rapidly growing sport, is expected to witness a significant increase in its global market value, projected to reach over $2.3 billion by 2028. This substantial growth reflects a remarkable surge from the $1.3 billion market value recorded in 2022. With such exponential expansion, it is evident that the earning potential for professional pickleball players will only continue to escalate.
As pickleball gains more attention and popularity worldwide, professional players can anticipate their earnings to soar to levels comparable to those of professional tennis players. The sport’s increasing recognition and fan base will likely attract significant sponsorships, endorsements, and media coverage, leading to greater financial opportunities for the athletes involved.
Conclusion
In conclusion, professional pickleball players have the potential to earn a decent income through various sources. While the average earnings for a professional pickleball player in 2023 range from $45,000 to $55,000, top-rated players can earn a six-figure income. The introduction of Major League Pickleball (MLP) has significantly impacted player earnings, with the largest prize money in pickleball history being offered. Sponsorships and endorsements also play a crucial role in providing financial stability for players and promoting the sport. Coaching sessions and clinics offer additional avenues for income, and a strong online presence can lead to collaborations and paid promotions. With the rapid growth of pickleball, professional players can expect their earnings to increase further in the upcoming years, potentially reaching levels comparable to those of professional tennis players.