Pickleball’s Major League Breakthrough: Pickleball has gone from a casual backyard activity to a booming professional sport with global recognition. With elite players like Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters now earning multi-million-dollar salaries, the sport is rising to major league status. In 2024, Johns earned around $2.5 million, and Waters made an estimated $3 million, including endorsements—numbers that rival athletes in established sports.
A Rapid Rise in Pay and Popularity
The growth of the sport is reflected in the soaring earnings of its top players. Ben Johns’ income has skyrocketed 900% since 2021. Anna Leigh Waters now earns more than many WNBA and women’s soccer stars, proving that professional pickleball can be financially rewarding at the top.
Pickleball’s quick rise is fueled by its social nature, low equipment costs, and increasing media presence. Streaming deals with ESPN, CBS Sports, and Pickleball TV have made the sport accessible to viewers around the world.
Humble Beginnings in Washington State
Pickleball was invented in 1965 by Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum in Washington. It began as a fun experiment to entertain their kids, using a Wiffle ball, badminton net, and table tennis paddles.
The quirky name “pickleball” was coined by Joan Pritchard, referencing “pickle boats” in crew—teams made up of leftover rowers. Initially seen as an oddball sport, pickleball has since grown far beyond its backyard origins.
Modern Equipment and Major Leagues
Today’s paddles are made of advanced materials like carbon fiber, and the sport is played on dedicated courts across the world. Thousands of fans attend major events like the U.S. Open Pickleball Championships in Naples, Florida, which has grown steadily since its debut in 2016.
The sport now features three main professional tours:
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Professional Pickleball Association (PPA)
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Major League Pickleball (MLP)
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Association of Pickleball Players (APP)
Each association has its own ranking systems, tournament rules, and match formats, which adds complexity but also boosts online interest and social media engagement.
Different Styles, Shared Passion
Although rules vary by tournament, some basics are consistent. Matches usually go to 11, 15, or 21 points, depending on the format. The U.S. governing body, USA Pickleball Association (USAPA), allows for flexibility, which helps draw players of all levels.
Despite differences across tours, interest continues to climb. ESPN and CBS now stream tournaments, and Pickleball TV offers live tournament coverage on most platforms. This widespread visibility has helped build a strong fan base.
A Sport for Everyone
Pickleball’s popularity stems from how easy it is to learn and play. It doesn’t require expensive gear or special athletic skills. The game’s casual pace and community feel attract players of all ages. It grew rapidly during the pandemic as people looked for safe, outdoor activities.
Now, even universities like Colgate are building pickleball courts, reflecting the sport’s surge in global popularity. From its playful roots to professional arenas, pickleball has carved out its own place in the world of sports.
News in Brief: Pickleball’s Major League Breakthrough
Pickleball is now a major sport with global leagues and top pros earning millions. With growing media deals and tournaments like the U.S. Open, the game once seen as backyard fun now rivals traditional sports. Its simplicity, social vibe, and flexible rules fuel its rise.
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