India rules IPA Nationals, Tokyo Asia Games set, IPBL launch
Good morning, pickleballers!
Friday once again - quite a slow pickleball news week which is often the case after such a big tournament weekend.
And then Friday comes around and BOOM - so much news to bring you.
Before you dive into the world pickleball news below, do check out yesterday's podcast where Gordo and I review the World Pickleball League Season 2 draft, amongst other things.
And here's the latest pickleball news from around the world.
India’s Pickleball Powerhouses Clash at IPA Nationals: Karnataka Sweeps 30+ Titles as Telangana, Gujarat, and West Bengal Shine
Bengaluru, India – The 5th IPA Nationals 2025, India’s largest pickleball event and the first national competition since the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) gained official National Sports Federation (NSF) recognition, proved to be a spectacular display of talent and meticulous organisation. Hosted at The Sports School, Kanakapura, the PWR2000 World Ranking Event drew over 1,500 players from 20 states in categories ranging from under-12 to over-70.
Host state Karnataka dominated the master team categories, securing double gold. They clinched the 30+ Men’s Team title by defeating Delhi 2-0, highlighted by Sujith’s singles victory (21-16) and the doubles win from Rashein Samuel and Avilay Jha (21-17). Karnataka later overpowered Maharashtra 21-15, 21-17 to take the 30+ Women’s Team crown.
In a thrilling Men’s Open finale, West Bengal edged out Rajasthan 2-1. The decisive victory came from Tejas Gulati, who secured a dramatic 21-20 win in the reverse singles against Aditya Ruhela. Meanwhile, Telangana showcased rising prominence by dominating the 40+ Men’s Team Final, defeating Karnataka convincingly 2-0 (21-8, 21-7) for their first IPA Nationals title. Sameer Verma, Telangana’s top seed and one of India’s most consistent performers, led his men's team to the semifinals.
The junior divisions saw fierce competition: Gujarat clinched the U-16 Boys crown 2-0 over Maharashtra, fueled by Yuvraj Singh’s resilient 21-20 singles comeback after saving five game points. Maharashtra took the U16 Girls’ Team Title, defeating Assam 2-0, with Sehher Mankani winning singles and Evana Mankani/Sasha Salvi taking the doubles. Maharashtra was represented by the returning father-daughter duo, Vijay and Anushka Chhabria, who recently won medals at the Pickleball World Cup in Florida.
The Karnataka Pickleball Association (KPA), despite being less than a year old, earned high praise from IPA President Suryaveer Singh Bhullar for effortlessly managing the logistical challenge of converting seven tennis courts into 17 pickleball courts and running meticulous shuttle services for 600-800 daily travellers.
Tokyo Set to Host Asia Pickleball Games 2025 Team Challenge with $5,000 Prize Pool
Tokyo, Japan – The Asia Pickleball Games 2025, organised by the Asia Federation of Pickleball (AFP), is officially "all systems go" for December 13, 2025. The event will be an exclusive Asia-only tournament, taking place at 2-2-22 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo.
The Games are structured as a team challenge, open only to players holding an Asian National ID, Permanent Resident ID, or an Asian country’s passport. Teams will compete in a round-robin format across three distinct age categories: Team Challenge 19+, Team Challenge 35+, and Team Challenge 50+. Each team must include a minimum of two male and two female players, with a maximum roster size of six athletes.
Participants are vying for a substantial prize pool, which starts at USD $3,500 for categories with fewer than 12 teams and can increase up to USD $5,000 if a category draws 12 or more teams.
Registration for the prestigious event began in July and remains open until November 30, 2025. Teams from countries including Chinese Taipei and Singapore have already confirmed their participation. Specific registration contacts are provided for players from India, Japan, and Korea, while players from all other Asian countries can register directly via the AFP website.
Epic World Championship 2026 Secures DRYWORLD as Official Apparel Partner for Major Amateur Event
Singapore, Singapore – The Elite Pickleball International Championship PTE LTD (EPIC) has announced a significant multi-year partnership with DRYWORLD Brands Inc., making the leading performance apparel company the official apparel supplier for the inaugural Epic World Championship in 2026. The tournament, which focuses exclusively on amateur competition, is set to debut in the vibrant city-state of Singapore in April 2026.
This exclusive collaboration aims to capitalise on pickleball's meteoric rise as the world's fastest-growing sport. DRYWORLD will supply co-branded apparel, footwear, accessories, and fanwear to all World Championship players, staff, and the global community. The partnership will also include the launch of a dedicated e-commerce line and design collaboration releases starting in November 2025.
The Epic World Championship is poised to offer one of the largest amateur prize purses in history, guaranteed to start at USD $50,000 and potentially escalating up to USD $100,000 based on participant growth.
Brian McKenzie, Co-CEO of DRYWORLD, expressed his excitement to be at the "epicentre of pickleball’s global rise," joining the ranks of brands trusted by icons in dynamic sports. Victor Cui, Founding Partner of EPIC, emphasised that the alliance, supported by the Singapore Tourism Board, will "empower our players, engage our fans, and propel the sport to new heights". EPIC aims to blend elite amateur competition with a premium sports vacation experience, utilising this mass-participation event to drive tourism and international partnerships.
Over 1,600 Sign Petition Demanding Collegiate Pickleball Move Finals Off Sunday for Religious Athletes
Utah, USA – The rapid growth of college pickleball is meeting resistance from a long-standing tradition: Championship Sunday. A petition, which has garnered over 1,600 signatures from players and fans, is asking collegiate event organisers to stop scheduling finals on Sundays, citing conflicts with religious beliefs.
The movement is heavily supported by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), particularly given that Utah is a major power centre of college pickleball and home to two of the country’s top five teams.
Livvy Phillips, the 20-year-old Utah State University player who launched the petition in September, explained the dilemma: "Players have to make that decision between our values and beliefs or letting my team down". She stressed that athletes should not be put in such a difficult position.
While the NCAA typically accommodates dozens of schools that have written policies barring Sunday competition for religious reasons, pickleball is not yet an NCAA-recognised sport.
Tour organisers remain divided. Noah Suemnick, founder of the National Collegiate Pickleball Association, defended Sunday play, stating his motivation is to spread the name of Jesus through pickleball. However, the UPA is reportedly "considering changes," such as all-day Saturday competitions, to address the scheduling conflicts. This debate mirrors challenges faced at the professional level, where top pros like Callie Jo Smith have openly discussed balancing faith and competitive commitments.
Dinagyang Pickleball Cup 2026 Opens Registration, Bringing Competitive Paddles to Philippines’ Major Festival
Iloilo City, Philippines – The Dinagyang Festival, renowned worldwide as a cultural and religious celebration honouring the Santo Niño, will feature a new highlight next year: the Dinagyang Pickleball Cup 2026. Registration for the tournament is now officially open.
The pickleball competition is scheduled for January 16 to 18, 2026, and will be held at the Central Philippine University Gymnasium in Jaro, Iloilo City, coinciding with the festival's third week. The Dinagyang Festival showcases vibrant street dancing, rhythmic drumbeats, and elaborate costumes, celebrating Iloilo's rich heritage and devotion.
The tournament will feature Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles categories. Each category is further split into four divisions designed to accommodate various skill levels and age groups: Doubles Open, Executive (50+ for Women/Mixed, 55+ for Men), Intermediate 35(+), and Intermediate (-)35 Below.
Medals, cash prizes, and bragging rights are at stake for the participants. This event follows the precedent set by Davao City, which successfully hosted the Kadayawan sa Dabaw Pickleball Doubles Tournament during its Kadayawan Festival in August 2025, drawing approximately 200 players from various provinces.
Sportskeeda Parent Company Absolute Sports Secures Mumbai Team, Marking Entry into Fastest-Growing Sport
Mumbai, India – Absolute Sports, the parent company of Sportskeeda and Pro Football Network, and a subsidiary of Nazara Technologies, has formally acquired the Mumbai franchise for the inaugural Indian Pickleball League (IPBL). This acquisition represents the company's significant entry into pickleball, a sport that is rapidly becoming a competitive staple within the Indian sporting landscape.
With this franchise acquisition, Absolute Sports will assume responsibility for building the Mumbai team's roster, establishing its brand identity, and engaging with the city's growing fan base. The franchise rights agreement was executed with PWR Indian League and Tour Private Limited, the organisers of the league, which is strategically backed by The Times Group.
Ajay Pratap Singh, Director and CEO of Absolute Sports, emphasised the strategic alignment of the investment: “Our mission at Absolute Sports is simple: be where the fans are. Pickleball is no longer an emerging trend. It’s a global movement”. He noted that the acquisition allows the company to leverage its expertise in content, storytelling, and fandom to create a compelling team.
Vineet Jain, Managing Director at The Times Group, welcomed Nazara's involvement, highlighting their status as a "pioneer in gaming and digital sports entertainment". He believes Nazara’s innovation-driven mindset will play a transformative role in shaping the league and inspiring a strong pickleball community in Mumbai. Both parties look forward to taking the sport to new heights as it continues its trajectory as the world’s fastest-growing sport.
IPBL Sanctioned by Sports Ministry, Ready for Inaugural Launch at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium
New Delhi, India – India's sporting calendar is set to welcome a major new addition: the Indian Pickleball League (IPBL). The country’s first official pickleball league, sanctioned by the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) and recognised by the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, will debut from December 1–7, 2025. The inaugural edition will be held at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi.
The launch arrives amid pickleball’s explosive global growth, which boasts a $1.3 billion worldwide market and over five million players. In India, participation is expanding rapidly, with projections suggesting the number of players could reach one million by 2028, largely driven by the 18 to 50 age group.
Suryaveer Singh Bhullar, President of the Indian Pickleball Association, hailed the IPBL launch as a "defining milestone" that provides the necessary scale and structure to elevate the sport. He stressed that the league represents a national platform designed to champion fitness and participation across the nation.
The league format promises dynamic teams, blending international and Indian "Super Stars" with "Rising Stars". Through a week of intense round-robin clashes and knockout battles, the IPBL aims to be "television-ready". Beyond competition, the goal is to create an immersive experience in buzzing arenas that connects the stylish, fast-paced game with today’s cultural pulse.
Global Talent Flocks to India: WPBL Season 2 Draft Welcomes Players from Five Continents
Mumbai, India – The World Pickleball League (WPBL), India's premier franchise-based pickleball competition, successfully held its Season 2 Player Draft, cementing its international appeal. The draft welcomed a total of 56 players from 18 different nations across five continents, resulting in highly diverse and competitive rosters for the upcoming season.
WPBL Season 2 is scheduled to run from January 24, 2026, to February 8, 2026, at the Jio World Garden in Mumbai.
Gaurav Natekar, Founder and CEO of WPBL, noted that the league has quickly grown into a choice for players across continents. He highlighted the sophisticated scouting process this year and the exciting "surge of young talent" entering the system, signalling a shift in energy and ambition. Natekar affirmed the league’s commitment to developing Indian players, noting increased participation from local talent and providing a pathway for them to showcase their skills at the highest level.
The seven participating franchises—Bengaluru Jawans, Pune United, Mumbai Pickle Power, Hyderabad Superstars, Chennai Super Champs, Dilli Dillwale, and Team Jaipur—have strategically assembled their squads. Notable placements include pickleball legend Simone Jardim joining the Chennai Super Champs roster. Natekar promises Season 2 will deliver "high-octane sporting action mixed with lively entertainment and fan engagement".
MPA Head Vows to Keep Fighting for 'Sense of Community' Amidst 'Pickleball Politics' Drama
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Delima Ibrahim, President of the Malaysia Pickleball Association (MPA), has taken to social media to firmly address recent controversies surrounding the organisation, dismissing the internal conflicts as "drama" and "nonsense".
Posting in the large Pickleball Malaysia Community group, Delima referenced reports of "Power struggles! Secret letters! Rogue WhatsApp groups!" and joked that the situation sounds like a trending Netflix show called “Pickleball Politics: The Rally No One Asked For”.
Delima stressed that the MPA’s leadership consists entirely of unpaid volunteers—many retired or with day jobs—who are risking their positions but are driven only by a passion for the sport and a "sense of community". She lamented that the spirit of the sport, which used to involve friends gathering to "sweat, laugh, and argue about... the Kitchen line," now feels like a “Game of Thrones remake” where people threaten disciplinary hearings.
Despite the internal chaos, the MPA President vowed to keep fighting, stating, "Still, beneath the chaos, most of us love this sport too much to walk away". She concluded on a defiant note, suggesting that the "fire" consuming the MPA might "purify" the association, burning away the nonsense and leaving behind what truly matters: people dedicated to playing, volunteering, and building the community.
World #1 Anna Leigh Waters Launches ‘In The Kitchen,’ Revealing Vulnerable Dynamics with Coach and Mother
Florida, USA – World #1 female pickleball player Anna Leigh Waters has launched an unexpected new YouTube series titled "In The Kitchen," debuting the first episode with her coach, mother, and former doubles partner, Leigh. The show transcends typical athlete content by blending a cooking segment—making their "famous mac and cheese"—with a genuine, honest conversation about their complex journey.
During the episode, Leigh Waters revealed the vulnerable turning point in their relationship: realising she preferred coaching Anna Leigh over playing alongside her, primarily because coaching involved "less pressure". She pinpointed the moment her daughter began winning matches almost single-handedly, handling roughly 70% of the balls, as the catalyst for the shift.
The conversation also explored the unique friction inherent in their dynamic. Anna Leigh joked that she often has an excuse ready when her mother corrects her form during timeouts. She confessed to occasionally giving her coach "the dirty eyes" when implementing a suggestion that fails on the next point.
Anna Leigh cited their first national championship win in 2019, when she was 12, as her favourite match, noting the infectious joy and the song "Can't Stop the Feeling" that became their anthem that night. Ultimately, the cooking sequence serves as a metaphor for their partnership: clear roles, correction, and teamwork leading to a successful final product. The series offers a rare, candid look into how an elite sports family maintains affection and success while navigating the transition from partner to coach.
Mijas Open Thrills Fans with Spectacular Finals; De La Torre Wins Top Men’s Point, Pintor Dominates Women’s Highlights
Mijas, Spain – The Mijas Open 2025, the fifth event of the circuit, concluded with spectacular finals and electrifying points captured at the spectacular central court in the Gran Parque de La Costa del Sol. Fans were heavily involved in the aftermath, voting on the best highlights from the individual categories.
In the Men’s Open, the top highlight was claimed by José Enrique de La Torre for an "ATP" shot that narrowly grazed the line during his match against Ignasi de Rueda. Álex Serrano secured the second-best point by deceiving Ignasi de Rueda with a spectacular volley that forced him to run side to side. Ignasi de Rueda rounded out the top three with an impressive defensive play followed by a cross-court volley against Serrano. The Men’s Individual finals saw Álex Serrano facing Ignasi de Rueda.
In the Women’s Singles, María Pintor stole the spotlight, securing the top two points in the fan voting despite ultimately losing the final to Sabrina Méndez. Pintor's highlight reel plays showcased lethal net shots and dynamic movements that pulled Méndez across the court. Amanda Rosati earned the third-best point for a sharp cross-court shot against Pintor.
The tournament saw Pintor and Méndez set up the Women's Individual final, while doubles champions were determined earlier in the weekend. The opening day of the event had already crowned four winners in the individual TALENT and +50 PRO categories.
Philippine Weightlifting Hero Hidilyn Diaz Tries Pickleball, Finds Fun Despite Lack of Official Court
Philippines – Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz, the first Filipino to win gold at the Olympic Games, has joined the growing ranks of athletes trying the world's fastest-growing sport: pickleball. Diaz shared her experience on Instagram, confirming she had "joined in on the hype" by purchasing a pickleball net and paddle.
However, her introduction to the sport came with a twist: she lacked access to a proper facility. In a video shared with her followers, Diaz and her companions were seen playing on gravel in what appeared to be an open field or farmland. Her caption humorously noted, "Bumili ng pickleball net and paddle pero walang court" (Bought a pickleball net and paddle but no court).
Diaz’s participation underscores the sport’s broad appeal, attracting everyone from celebrities to high-profile athletes like former NBA star Dirk Nowitzki and tennis legend Andre Agassi. As a national hero who actively promotes weightlifting, whether Diaz fully embraces pickleball remains to be seen, but she has definitely given the hype a try.
Aspiring Referees Urged to Register for PPF Training After Deadline Extension in Davao City
Davao City, Philippines – The Philippine Pickleball Federation (PPF) has extended the registration deadline for its certified referee training, offering individuals a final chance to join the program. The training is scheduled for December 4 to 5, 2025, at Pickletown in Davao City, and will be presided over by certified referee Gigi Maceda. The new registration deadline is November 30, 2025.
The PPF training is designed for those looking to deepen their understanding of pickleball rules, make confident and accurate calls, and support official tournaments both locally and internationally. Participants will learn essential skills such as real-court mechanics, rule interpretation, and how to manage games fairly and consistently, making them valuable assets to the growing pickleball community in Mindanao and beyond.
This opportunity is exclusive to members of clubs affiliated with the Philippine Pickleball Federation. To qualify, interested parties must first study the 2025 USA Pickleball Rulebook and complete an Official Rules Pre-Test online. A score of at least 90% on the pre-test is required for eligibility. The cost for the actual training is ₱5,000 per participant.
US Indoor Franchise Pickleball Kingdom Announces Major Move into India, Bringing World-Class Facilities to Asia
India – Pickleball Kingdom, one of the leading indoor pickleball franchises in the United States with over 400 existing locations, has selected India to jumpstart its massive global expansion. This move into Asia will bring state-of-the-art indoor courts and world-class facilities to one of the most pickleball-crazy countries in the world.
Ace Rodrigues, Founder and CEO of Pickleball Kingdom, explained the rationale, stating that India was their "number one choice for international expansion" from day one, citing the country’s energy, athletic spirit, and love for community. India’s emergence as a competitive force was underscored by its performance in the 2025 Pickleball World Cup, where it was the only Asian country to finish in the top 10 in medals won.
The expansion is being spearheaded by Team BAQ Wizards India, co-founded by Bhanu Gulati, Anuj Duggal, and Qudrath Ali. Gulati stated that the franchise’s spirit of inclusivity and well-being mirrors their own values, aiming to create a movement that builds connection and balance across India. Duggal further articulated the partnership as bringing together the "American vision of dreaming big and Indian empathy for community" to establish a sustainable and joyful ecosystem.
This launch marks a new era for accessible recreation and social connection in India. While India is the first stop, Pickleball Kingdom is actively inviting driven individuals internationally to join the exciting growth wave.
Landmark Recognition: Thailand Boosts Pickleball and Padel Status, Poised to Inspire Asian Sporting Growth
Bangkok, Thailand – In a landmark decision, the Sports Authority of Thailand officially recognised Padel and Pickleball as national sports on October 30, 2025. This move is expected to trigger a significant transformation in the country’s sporting landscape and further boost the popularity of both sports across Asia.
The official recognition is likely to provide several key benefits to the growing pickleball community. It is anticipated to lead to a surge in new courts, structured training programs, and an increase in certified coaches and referees. Furthermore, the move will encourage the hosting of national-level ranking matches, bolstering players’ confidence for international tournament participation.
The recognition is also expected to open doors for greater corporate sponsorships and institutional support for both games. Analysts believe this could be a pivotal moment for the entire Asian region, potentially paving the way for other nations to follow Thailand’s lead. Both Padel (originating in Mexico in 1969) and Pickleball (the fastest-growing sport in North America) emphasise social doubles play, appealing to a wide range of ages due to their accessibility and smaller court sizes.
The Kitchen Releases Men’s Top 20 Rankings: Johns Dominates, Patriquin Jumps to #2 After World Championship Gold
USA – The Kitchen, with the input of an anonymous men’s professional player, released its updated ranking of the Top 20 Men’s Pickleball Players for November 2025, focusing exclusively on doubles ability.
Ben Johns (↔️ 1) remains firmly established as the sport's benchmark, locking down the top spot. His vintage summer included winning six consecutive men’s doubles titles with Gabe Tardio and riding an eight-tournament mixed doubles winning streak with Anna Leigh Waters.
The biggest change in the elite circle saw Hayden Patriquin (⬆️ 2) jump three spots from his previous ranking. Patriquin, who recently switched to the left side in his partnership with Federico Staksrud, secured his first men's doubles gold of the season at the Pickleball World Championships.
Andrei Daescu (↔️ 3) held his ground, fueled in part by his standout, "Superman" performance that led the Columbus Sliders to the Major League Pickleball (MLP) Finals title in August. He maintains solid results with Christian Alshon in PPA men's doubles. JW Johnson (⬆️ 4) moved up, securing a second gold medal of the season and boasting the best mixed results of any man outside of Ben Johns. Rounding out the top five is Gabe Tardio (⬆️ 5), whom Johns himself identifies as the best right-side men's player in the game.
The ranking, which prioritises PPA Tour results and gender doubles performance (70-30 split for both), saw notable entries, including Noe Khlif (⬆️ 17), Matt Wright (⬆️ 18), and Connor Garnett (⬆️ 19). Meanwhile, Federico Staksrud (⬇️ 6) dropped slightly despite his consistency, having fewer peak weeks than the players ranked above him.
The Kitchen’s Women’s Top 20: Waters Untouchable at #1, Jade Kawamoto Climbs Eight Spots After Cincinnati Gold
USA – The Kitchen released its November 2025 ranking of the Top 20 Women’s Pickleball Players, confirming the hierarchy in the professional circuit based primarily on doubles performance. The list was compiled with consultation from an anonymous women's pro.
Anna Leigh Waters (↔️ 1) cemented her position as the "GOAT". Since switching women’s doubles partners, Waters has won a Triple Crown in her last three PPA Tour events. Anna Bright (↔️ 2) retained the second spot, having made 10 women’s doubles finals this season (six golds with Waters, four silvers with Rachel Rohrabacher).
Jorja Johnson (↔️ 3) held steady, recognised for securing a gold and three silvers in women’s doubles since August, and for being half of the next-best mixed doubles team outside of Waters and Johns. Tyra Black (⬆️ 4) moved up one position, fueled by her 13 podium finishes this season and a pivotal win alongside Johnson over Waters and Bright at the Las Vegas Open. Despite a slight drop to No. 5 (⬇️ 5), Catherine Parenteau was lauded as the "ultimate pro," consistently reaching Sunday play in every tournament since August.
The most significant ascent belonged to Jade Kawamoto (⬆️ 8), who climbed eight spots from her previous ranking. Her recent success includes winning gold with her sister, Jackie Kawamoto, at the Cincinnati Showcase, one of the year’s major events, and securing two bronze medals with Parenteau. Her sister, Jackie Kawamoto (⬆️ 10), also moved up, now having one gold and one bronze medal in women's doubles this season.
Nation’s Top Players Descend on Southern California for USA Pickleball National Championships 2025
San Diego, USA – The USA Pickleball National Championships are underway in San Diego, California, drawing the nation’s top players for fierce competition this weekend.
The championship, recognised as one of the premier events on the pickleball calendar, gathers professionals to compete for national honours. The tournament is taking place amidst high anticipation, reflecting the sport's surging popularity across the country.
CBS 8 reported from the site, featuring an interview with the Chief Marketing Officer of USA Pickleball ahead of the matches. The Nationals represent a key moment for players aiming to make their mark on the professional circuit.
When to Call Cheating? Pickleball Pro Navratil Draws Line Between Tournament Integrity and Rec Play Fun
USA – The debate over using illegal, or "hot," paddles—paddles modified by delamination or core crushing—has been addressed by pro player Zane Navratil, who offered nuanced advice on when to call out opponents.
Navratil stressed that the decision depends entirely on the context: tournament play versus recreational play. In tournament settings, regardless of whether it is a 4.0 or an amateur event, calling out a banned paddle is "pretty reasonable". Given that prize money, rankings, and competitive integrity are on the line, enforcing USAP rules is necessary. Navratil advises flagging the issue to a referee or tournament director for professional handling.
However, for recreational play, where the primary goal is fun, fitness, and community, Navratil’s advice is "who cares?". He argues that constantly policing equipment creates unnecessary friction. The only exception is if the illegal paddle makes the game dangerous, such as a player sending balls wildly out of bounds due to lack of control. Otherwise, Navratil suggests viewing playing against better equipment as simply a challenge and focusing on the spirit of the game.
This debate highlights the tension between the sport's explosion in equipment innovation and the inconsistent enforcement of rules, creating frustration for players at all levels.
Pickleball Millionaires: Top Pros Now Earning Seven-Figure Incomes, Led by Waters and Johns
USA – Professional pickleball earnings have soared in 2025, transforming the sport from a backyard pastime into a major source of income for elite competitors. The highest-paid pickleball players are now estimated to earn between $500,000 and over $1 million annually, with the top tier earning $2 million or more.
Leading the pack is Anna Leigh Waters (Estimated Earnings: $3 million +), who is the highest-earning female player thanks to her consistent championship wins and major endorsements from brands like Paddletek and Fila. Close behind is Ben Johns (Estimated Earnings: $2.5 million), who dominates in singles and doubles, leveraging sponsorships with Franklin Sports and JOOLA. Other top earners include Tyson McGuffin and Simone Jardim, both estimated around $2 million annually, combining prize money with lucrative coaching camps and academy ventures.
Income streams for these pros are highly diversified, primarily relying on tournament prize money, major sponsorships, and coaching clinics. Team leagues like Major League Pickleball (MLP) also contribute through salaries and bonuses.
However, the financial gap remains significant. While top athletes are thriving, mid-tier pros average $100,000 to $250,000, and lower-ranked players may earn only $30,000 to $75,000 annually. Non-sponsored players face annual costs of up to $50,000 for travel and entry fees, forcing many to supplement their income by coaching.
Looking ahead, analysts project that player earnings will continue to climb, driven by increased media rights, deeper sponsorships, and stabilisation from guaranteed league salaries, further cementing pickleball's position as a financially viable professional sport.