Women’s Pickleball Earnings Explode: Pickleball is making headlines in the United States as professional players are earning salaries that surpass those of stars in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Once a casual backyard game, pickleball has transformed into one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, and its financial ecosystem reflects its meteoric rise.
Pickleball Salaries Outshine Established Leagues
The numbers speak volumes about pickleball’s evolution. According to Major League Pickleball (MLP), the average salary for more than 60 women in the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour reached approximately $2.6 million annually. To put this into perspective, the highest-paid WNBA player, Jackie Young of the Las Vegas Aces, earns $252,450 annually, with Jewell Loyd of the Seattle Storm following close behind at $245,508. Meanwhile, the NWSL’s minimum salary, even after adjustments in the Collective Bargaining Agreement, is set to rise from $48,500 in 2025 to $82,500 by 2030.
What drives these impressive paychecks in pickleball? A key factor is the merger between the PPA and MLP, which led to the creation of the United Pickleball Association. Despite uniting under one umbrella, both organizations have maintained their unique identities, with the PPA Tour hosting individual bracket-style events and the MLP operating a team-based format. This dual structure attracts diverse audiences and lucrative sponsorships, contributing to higher salaries for players.
The Stars Behind the Numbers
The surge in player earnings also owes much to the growing star power of athletes like Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters. Johns, currently the world’s No. 1 player, earned an impressive $2.5 million in 2021, as revealed in an interview with CNBC. However, the spotlight is shifting to 17-year-old Anna Leigh Waters, who is projected to surpass Johns with an estimated $3 million in earnings for 2024, according to her agent Kelly Wolf.
Pickleball’s rising stars not only draw significant financial backing but also help expand the sport’s global reach. Similar to tennis, pickleball’s format and accessibility have made it a favorite among recreational players and professionals alike. The sport’s potential inclusion in the Olympic program further underscores its rapid growth and international appeal.
News in Brief: Women’s Pickleball Earnings Explode
Pickleball is experiencing a meteoric rise, with professional players earning salaries surpassing those of WNBA and NWSL stars. The average salary for women in the PPA Tour reached $2.6 million annually, driven by the PPA-MLP merger and lucrative sponsorships. Stars like Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters lead the financial surge, with Waters projected to earn $3 million in 2024. As pickleball grows globally, its Olympic potential becomes increasingly likely.
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