Pickleball is no longer just a fun backyard game. It has grown into a full-blown professional sport, earning real money for its top stars. With courts popping up across the country, major sponsorships, and bigger tournaments, the question on many minds is: How much do pro pickleball players make in 2025? In this article, we will rank the top eight highest paid pickleball players this year and break down how they earn their money, from tournament prize money to brand deals and coaching.
The Pickleball Boom and Why Earnings Matter
The growth of pickleball has been nothing short of explosive. What once began in driveways and community centers has now become a sport with pro tours, leagues, media coverage, and serious money. With rising popularity comes more prize money, more sponsors, and more opportunities for athletes to turn passion into profit.
In 2025, the landscape for professional pickleball earnings has changed dramatically. According to industry data, many players at the top are earning $500,000 to over $1 million annually combining tournament winnings and deals. Some are even making $2 million or more. On the other end of the spectrum, many players are still earning between $30,000 and $75,000 per year. So the gap is very wide.
Why do we care about this? For athletes thinking of picking up pickleball seriously, for sponsors looking for value, and for fans wanting to know who the real money‐makers are—understanding these salaries tells the story of how this sport is evolving.
Ranking the Top 8 Highest Paid Pickleball Players in 2025
The sport of pickleball has exploded into the mainstream, creating real earning potential for its best competitors. In 2025, the highest paid pickleball players are earning from tournament prize money, endorsement deals, and growing media visibility. The following rankings are based on estimated annual income, sponsorships, and influence on the sport.
1. Ben Johns
Estimated Earnings: ~$2.5 million
Major Sponsors: Franklin Sports, JOOLA Pickleball, Jigsaw Health
Location: Maryland, USA
Ben Johns continues to dominate professional pickleball in both singles and doubles play. With his sharp reflexes and unmatched consistency, he remains the sport’s biggest star. His earnings come from multiple streams, including tournament victories, long-term sponsorship contracts, and a growing social media presence that keeps his brand in high demand.
As one of the highest paid pickleball players, Johns has helped elevate the sport’s visibility worldwide. He regularly hosts training clinics, represents pickleball in interviews, and has become the benchmark for how a pro athlete can turn a new sport into a lucrative career.
2. Anna Leigh Waters
Estimated Earnings: ~$3 million +
Major Sponsors: Paddletek, Fila, Lock Laces, Babolat
Location: Florida, USA
Anna Leigh Waters is a powerhouse on the women’s pro circuit and one of the youngest – yet most marketable – players in the game. Her aggressive playing style and winning personality have attracted top-tier sponsors and major media coverage.
In 2025, Waters leads all women in earnings, combining prize money from championship wins with her long list of endorsement deals. Her success places her firmly among the highest paid pickleball players in the world, and she continues to grow her fan base through social media and appearances that highlight her role as the face of modern pickleball.
3. Tyson McGuffin
Estimated Earnings: ~$2 million
Major Sponsors: Selkirk Sport, Vulcan Sporting Goods, Electrum Pickleball
Location: Washington, USA
Known for his competitive fire and charismatic personality, Tyson McGuffin has built one of the strongest brands in professional pickleball. He’s not just a top-ranked player — he’s also a teacher and influencer who runs the popular Tyson McGuffin Signature Camps, which draw athletes from around the country.
McGuffin’s combination of athletic talent and business acumen makes him one of the highest paid pickleball players in 2025. His broad appeal has helped bridge the gap between competitive athletes and recreational fans.
4. Simone Jardim
Estimated Earnings: ~$2 million
Major Sponsors: Selkirk Sport, Nike, Jigsaw Health
Location: Florida, USA
Simone Jardim remains a legend in the sport, both for her career achievements and her lasting influence on future generations. Beyond her success as a competitor, she has become a respected coach and ambassador. Jardim co-founded the Peak Performance Pickleball Academy, where she trains young athletes and promotes the growth of women’s pickleball.
Her ability to perform at a high level while coaching and securing major sponsorships keeps her among the top earning pickleball players. Jardim’s name has become synonymous with professionalism and consistency in the sport.
5. Kyle Yates
Estimated Earnings: ~$600,000 – $750,000
Major Sponsors: Selkirk Sport, Nike
Location: Florida, USA
Kyle Yates is one of pickleball’s early stars who helped pave the way for today’s generation of pros. A multiple-time national champion, Yates has transitioned from being a player to also investing in pickleball ventures and teaching the next wave of talent.
Though his on-court earnings are smaller than the newer stars, his long-term involvement and business activities keep him among the highest paid pickleball players in the United States. His influence is felt through both his play and his commitment to developing the sport globally.
6. Catherine Parenteau
Estimated Earnings: ~$700,000 – $850,000
Major Sponsors: Paddletek, Fila, Therabody
Location: Michigan, USA (via Canada)
Catherine Parenteau is one of the brightest talents in professional pickleball today. A former collegiate tennis player, she transitioned to pickleball and quickly rose through the ranks, thanks to her athleticism and strategic play.
Her consistent tournament results and growing list of sponsors have positioned her as one of the highest paid female pickleball players. Beyond competition, Parenteau promotes the sport through clinics and youth programs, inspiring young athletes to follow her path.
7. Riley Newman
Estimated Earnings: ~$800,000 – $1 million
Major Sponsors: Takeya, JOOLA Pickleball, OWYN Nutrition
Location: Washington, USA
Riley Newman has become a household name in the pickleball community, known for his quick reflexes and creative shot-making. A former basketball player, he brings athleticism and showmanship to the court.
In 2025, Newman continues to climb the ranks, both in performance and in financial reward. His growing sponsorship portfolio and popularity with fans make him one of the rising highest paid pickleball players on tour. His earnings are likely to grow even more as he secures larger brand deals.
8. Jessie Irvine
Estimated Earnings: ~$500,000 – $700,000
Major Sponsors: Takeya, Engage Pickleball, Electrum Performance
Location: California, USA
Jessie Irvine is a dynamic competitor who brings energy and consistency to the women’s professional game. She has earned strong results in both singles and doubles play and continues to gain recognition on the PPA Tour.
With a growing following and sponsorships from leading pickleball brands, Irvine is firmly positioned among the top eight highest paid pickleball players in 2025. Her combination of competitive drive and relatable personality makes her a standout ambassador for the sport.
Summary of 2025 Player Earnings
| Rank | Player Name | Estimated Earnings | Major Sponsors | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ben Johns | ~$2.5 million | Franklin Sports, JOOLA | USA |
| 2 | Anna Leigh Waters | ~$3 million + | Paddletek, Fila | USA |
| 3 | Tyson McGuffin | ~$2 million | Selkirk Sport, Vulcan | USA |
| 4 | Simone Jardim | ~$2 million | Selkirk Sport, Nike | USA |
| 5 | Kyle Yates | ~$700k | Selkirk Sport, Nike | USA |
| 6 | Catherine Parenteau | ~$800k | Paddletek, Fila | Canada/USA |
| 7 | Riley Newman | ~$1 million | JOOLA, Takeya | USA |
| 8 | Jessie Irvine | ~$600k | Engage Pickleball, Takeya | USA |
Each of these athletes demonstrates how far the sport has come. Ten years ago, no one imagined professional pickleball players would be earning six and seven-figure incomes. Today, the highest paid pickleball players not only make a living but also help grow the sport through business ventures, coaching, and content creation.
What Drives Their Income? Prize Money, Sponsorships & Beyond
When examining pickleball player salaries, it is vital to look beyond just tournament wins. The main income streams include:
- Tournament prize money: Major events now offer much larger purses than in the past. For example, by 2025 the top tournaments may pay individual players tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars for winning or high placement.
- Sponsorships and endorsements: Top athletes build personal brands, attract equipment deals, apparel and shoe deals, and media partnerships. These income sources often match or exceed prize money.
- Coaching, clinics, appearances: Many pros supplement income by offering training camps, public appearances, teaching players, or creating online content.
- Team league income and bonuses: With team-based formats like Major League Pickleball (MLP) and other emerging structures, players may earn salaries, bonuses, and shares of league revenue.
- Media/streaming deals and equity investments: As the sport grows, players may also earn from media appearances, content creation, and investment in pickleball-related businesses or franchises.
This multi-stream income model is what pushes the best players into the million-dollar earnings category. For players outside the top tier, prize money alone may not be enough to live on, which is why branding and sponsorships are so important.
The Mid-Tier Landscape and Entry-Level Earnings
While the top earners make headlines, most professional pickleball players earn far less. The average income for mid-tier pros in 2025 is estimated to be around $100,000 to $250,000 per year. For lower-ranked players, earnings may range from $30,000 to $75,000 annually.
These lower incomes reflect fewer wins, smaller sponsorships, and higher costs (travel, coaching, equipment). The difference between the top tier and the rest is wide — but the sport is still young, and the potential upside is growing.
This makes it clear to aspiring professionals that success in pickleball isn’t just about winning matches. It is also about building a brand, maximizing exposure, and finding income streams beyond the court.
The Hidden Costs for Non-Sponsored Pros: What It Really Takes to Compete
When you look at top-tier athletes and their big paydays, it’s easy to forget that many professionals operate at a very different financial level. While the highest paid pickleball players may rake in millions, many lower-ranking players who are still chasing the dream are facing high costs with uncertain returns. So how much does it really cost to stay on tour—and how does that affect your potential in the world of pickleball player salaries?
Typical Annual Costs
Here are the rough annual expenses that a non-sponsored, mid-level pro might face:
- Tournament entry/registration fees: Some tours require multiple events. A player attending 20 tournaments may pay $200-$400 per tournament in registration, service and event fees.
- Travel & accommodations: If a player attends national events across the country, flights, hotels, food and local transport add up quickly. Typical estimates show $400-$600 per trip for airfare, $150-$250 per night for hotels, and $100-$150 per day for food and incidentals.
- Equipment, court time and coaching: Even without a major sponsorship deal, you still need pro-level gear, training time, court access, and often an assistant or partner. Paddles, shoes, apparel, and upkeep might run thousands of dollars per year.
- Miscellaneous expenses: This includes gear upgrades, tournament qualifying rounds (if separate cost), membership fees, and the “cost of being a pro” even when you’re not winning big.
Putting this all together, a lower-ranking pro might see annual expenses in the $30,000 to $50,000 range—or even higher. Some detailed breakdowns estimate costs can approach $40,000 or more per year for active tour players who aren’t yet fully sponsored.
Why This Matters
For players who haven’t secured big sponsorships or consistent prize-money winnings, these costs eat into their earnings heavily. When you look at pickleball player salaries, it’s important to subtract these expenses to understand what a player actually takes home. A pro making $60,000 in winnings may actually clear far less after paying their travel, gear and entry fees.
The Financial Pressure on Non-Sponsored Players
- Without a major sponsorship deal, players often rely solely on tournament prize money, which is unpredictable. If you don’t place high, your payout may not cover your costs.
- Many lower-ranked pros combine playing with coaching, clinics or local club work to stay afloat. Their tour earnings alone often aren’t enough.
- The risk is higher: When costs remain fixed but earnings vary, the financial strain grows. The dream of joining the elite group of highest paid pickleball players can seem farther away when you’re paying to compete.
- This cost barrier limits who can commit full time. Many non-sponsored players must juggle another job or move closer to the tour to manage expenses.
Takeaways for Aspiring Pros
- Know your budget: Be honest about how many events you can afford, whether you’ll travel, and what gear you’ll need.
- Build income streams beyond courts: Coaching, clinics, local connections, and a growing personal brand help bridge the gap.
- Understand the gap in pickleball player salaries: Top earners get most of the attention—but many players work hard just to break even.
- Consider the cost-benefit: If your goal is to become one of the highest paid players, you’ll need performance, visibility and brand deals to outpace costs.
Future Outlook: What’s Next for Pickleball Player Salaries
Looking ahead, the growth of pickleball suggests that earnings will continue to increase. With more media rights deals, deeper sponsorships, bigger prize pools, and global expansion, the ceiling for top players may continue to rise. League structures are evolving, new talent is emerging, and brands are paying attention.
Specifically:
- Tournament prize money is expected to continue climbing, with some tours projecting millions in player payouts in upcoming years.
- Team leagues may offer guaranteed salaries and bonuses, stabilizing income for players.
- More female athletes are closing the earnings gap, making the “highest paid pickleball players” list more diverse.
- As streaming platforms pick up pickleball content, athlete visibility will increase, creating more endorsement value.
- The entry-level earnings threshold may move upward as the sport becomes more professionalized and financially stable.
For fans and analysts alike, professional pickleball earnings in 2025 are already impressive, but the story is only beginning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the average salary for a pro pickleball player?
A: The average salary for mid-tier pros is about $100,000 to $250,000 annually. Lower ranked players often earn $30,000 to $75,000 per year.
Q: How much can the highest paid pickleball players make in a year?
A: Top players can make $2 million or more in total earnings combining tournament prize money and endorsements. Some even approach $3 million or more in 2025.
Q: What are the main sources of income for pro pickleball players?
A: Income comes from three primary sources: prize money from tournaments, sponsorships/endorsements, and coaching/clinics/appearances. Team league payments and media contracts are growing as well.
Q: Can someone make a full-time living playing pickleball?
A: Yes, but it is limited to a small group of top players who secure wins, brand deals, and diversified income streams. For most pros, building a brand and supplementing income beyond the court is key.
Q: How does pickleball earnings compare to other pro sports?
A: While the very top pickleball players are now earning high incomes, they still lag behind major sports stars (in tennis, golf, basketball). However, in some cases female pickleball pros are earning more than athletes in certain women’s leagues. New York Post
The world of professional pickleball is evolving fast, and so are the pickleball player salaries. From a casual backyard game to a serious pro circuit, pickleball now offers real financial opportunities for top players. The rankings of the highest paid pickleball players in 2025 show who is making the most of the growth, but they also highlight that success is about more than just winning on the court. It is about branding, diverse income, and smart business decisions.
For aspiring players, this means the path to making a living in pickleball is real—but it also requires more than just talent. For fans and sponsors, it means the sport is entering a new phase of professionalism and financial stability. And for the entire sports economy, it means pickleball is one of the most interesting growth stories around.
If you are reading this and wondering whether pickleball can pay the bills, the answer is yes—but for most, it takes time, effort, and a smart strategy. The best paid players are showing us what is possible.
