Tanner Wallace On Going Pro In Pickleball: The rise of pickleball has captured the imagination of many aspiring athletes, with dreams of following in the footsteps of stars like Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters. While the allure of turning professional is strong, the reality of the financial commitment required can be sobering. For those considering a leap into the professional pickleball world, the costs involved may be more daunting than anticipated.
The Lure of Professional Pickleball
The excitement surrounding professional pickleball is visible. For players like Ben Johns, who reportedly earns $2.5 million annually, and Anna Leigh Waters, whose cross-country RV travels and luxury fashion collection garner attention, the sport appears to be a lucrative career choice. Their success stories are powerful motivators, suggesting that with talent and dedication, significant financial rewards are possible. These high-profile examples create a vision of success that attracts many hopefuls to the sport.
The Financial Reality Check
Despite the glittering examples of success, the financial reality for most aspiring professional pickleball players is much less glamorous. Tanner Wallace, an aspiring player, has shed light on the harsh financial challenges involved. “The dream of going pro in pickleball is undoubtedly tantalizing,” Wallace notes. However, the reality is a tough pill to swallow.
Tournament Registration Fees and Travel Costs
The financial burden starts with the basic costs of participating in tournaments. Wallace reveals that just the Tournament registration fees for PPA events total around $11,000 per year. This figure does not include the significant additional expenses associated with traveling to and from tournaments. Players often face round-trip flight costs averaging $450, and with tournaments held across the country, these expenses can add up quickly.
The cost of accommodation further strains the budget. Hotel stays, typically at $200 per night, are necessary for the duration of the tournament, which can stretch to five days. In addition, players need to budget for meals, with food expenses averaging $100 for four days. For those in the qualifying rounds, the expenses accumulate even before the main event begins.
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The Hidden Costs of Going Pro
The financial strain does not end with travel and lodging. For players still establishing their presence, the lack of sponsorship means they must bear all costs themselves. Wallace estimated that the combined expenses of travel, accommodation, and food could total approximately $40,700 for a full season of PPA tournaments.
Moreover, players need to account for the costs of gear, which are often covered by sponsorships for established pros but can be a significant out-of-pocket expense for newcomers. The financial demands are compounded by the need for practice, coaching, and training, further adding to the overall costs.
The Search for Sponsorship and Financial Backing
While the majority of professional pickleball players benefit from sponsorship deals that cover many of these expenses, securing such support is not easy. For players still working their way up, attracting sponsors is a challenging endeavor. The financial mountain they must climb is steep, and many players find themselves in a precarious position, juggling the pursuit of their professional dreams with the financial realities of their situation.
The Future of Professional Pickleball
Despite these challenges, there is hope for the future. The sport’s growing popularity suggests that financial backing and sponsorship opportunities may increase as pickleball continues to gain traction. The potential for contracts resembling those seen in major sports leagues like the NFL, NBA, NHL, or MLB is on the horizon, though it remains a distant prospect.
As the sport evolves and attracts a larger audience, the financial landscape for players could become more favorable. The increasing media coverage and expansion of pickleball’s reach could lead to greater sponsorship deals and increased prize money, making the dream of going pro more attainable for future generations.
Passion Over Profit
In the meantime, the current reality of professional pickleball is that it requires a deep passion for the sport. As Wallace put it, “Right now, professional pickleball sounds a little bit like: ‘We’re in it because we love it and we’re passionate about it,’ and not to make millions of bucks.” This commitment to the sport is evident in the dedication of players who continue to compete despite the financial strain.
While the financial rewards may not yet match the enthusiasm and dedication of the players, there is a strong sense that the sport’s growth could eventually lead to more substantial financial opportunities. For now, the joy of playing and the drive to improve remain the primary motivations for those who choose to pursue a career in professional pickleball.
News in Brief: Tanner Wallace On Going Pro In Pickleball
The allure of professional pickleball, exemplified by stars like Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters, attracts many aspiring players. However, the financial reality can be harsh. Tournament registration fees alone cost around $11,000 annually, with additional expenses for travel, accommodation, and food pushing the total to approximately $40,700 per season, according to player Tanner Wallace. Newcomers without sponsorship must cover these costs themselves, including gear, practice, and coaching. While sponsorship opportunities and financial support may grow as the sport gains popularity, current players often pursue their dreams out of passion rather than profit. The sport’s future could bring better financial rewards, but dedication remains crucial for those going pro.
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