Breaking Down the 2024 Professional Pickleball Season: Key Players and Major Events

As pickleball continues its meteoric rise, the 2024 professional season is shaping up to be the most competitive and exciting yet. Once seen as a backyard game, pickleball has grown into a professional sport with elite athletes, high-profile sponsors, and millions of fans tuning in to watch top players battle for victory. With new talent emerging, major tournaments expanding, and prize money reaching new heights, the 2024 season promises to push the sport even further into the mainstream.

Let’s take a closer look at the key players, the major events, and what’s at stake in this groundbreaking year for professional pickleball.

The Stars of Professional Pickleball: Players to Watch in 2024

As pickleball gains more recognition, a new generation of elite athletes is emerging. The 2024 season will see intense competition between both rising stars and seasoned veterans. Here are a few key players to watch:

Ben Johns: Widely regarded as the best pickleball player in the world, Ben Johns is a dominant force on the pro circuit. With multiple Major League Pickleball (MLP) titles and a string of victories in the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) tour, Johns has set the bar high for the rest of the competition. His impressive hand-eye coordination, court strategy, and ability to adapt make him a perennial favorite in 2024.

Anna Leigh Waters: At just 16 years old, Anna Leigh Waters is one of the brightest young stars in pickleball. Her rise to prominence has been nothing short of spectacular, and she’s quickly becoming a household name in the sport. Waters’ aggressive playing style, combined with her athleticism, has made her a fan favorite and a tough competitor on the pro circuit. She’s expected to be a major contender in women’s singles and doubles throughout the 2024 season.

Riley Newman: Known for his versatility and powerful shots, Riley Newman has been a consistent presence in top-tier pickleball for several years. Newman’s ability to excel in both singles and doubles matches makes him a key player to watch in 2024. His chemistry with partner Anna Leigh Waters in mixed doubles is a highlight of the pro tour, and the duo is expected to make waves this season.

Catherine Parenteau: A former Division I tennis player, Catherine Parenteau has successfully transitioned to become one of the leading women in professional pickleball. Known for her precision and strategy on the court, Parenteau is a formidable opponent in singles and doubles play. With multiple PPA titles to her name, she’s a player to keep an eye on in 2024 as she aims to add more championships to her resume.

The Major Events of the 2024 Season

The 2024 professional pickleball calendar is packed with exciting tournaments, attracting the sport’s top talent from around the globe. Here are some of the key events that will shape the season:

The PPA Tour: The Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour is the premier circuit for professional pickleball, with a series of high-profile tournaments throughout the year. The tour attracts the best players in the world and features significant prize money. Notable stops on the 2024 PPA Tour include the PPA Masters, PPA Las Vegas Open, and PPA Arizona Grand Slam, which are expected to draw large crowds and international attention.

Major League Pickleball (MLP): With its unique team-based format, Major League Pickleball (MLP) has been a game-changer for the sport. The league features celebrity-backed teams, high-stakes matches, and an exciting draft system. In 2024, MLP is expanding to include more teams and bigger prize pools, with major events scheduled throughout the year. MLP’s focus on team dynamics and fan engagement has made it one of the most exciting competitions in the sport.

The US Open Pickleball Championships: Often referred to as the Super Bowl of Pickleball, the US Open Pickleball Championships in Naples, Florida, is one of the most prestigious events on the calendar. In 2024, the tournament is expected to attract the sport’s top talent, with players competing in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles for some of the largest prize purses of the season. The event draws thousands of spectators and is known for its electric atmosphere.

The APP Tour: The Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP) Tour is another major circuit that will play a crucial role in the 2024 season. With stops across the U.S. and internationally, the APP Tour offers opportunities for both seasoned pros and up-and-coming players to compete at the highest level. Key events include the APP Atlanta Open and the APP New York City Open, both of which are expected to feature intense competition.

Growing Prize Money and Sponsorship Deals

One of the most significant developments in professional pickleball over the past few years has been the rapid growth in prize money. In 2024, prize pools for major tournaments are expected to reach new heights, with some events offering six-figure payouts to top finishers. This increase in prize money reflects the sport’s growing popularity and the influx of sponsors looking to get involved in the burgeoning pickleball scene.

Corporate sponsors like Franklin Sports, Selkirk, and Paddletek have become household names in the pickleball world, offering sponsorships to top players and sponsoring major tournaments. With media coverage expanding, companies are eager to capitalize on the sport’s growing fan base and television exposure.

The involvement of high-profile sponsors has also led to the development of custom paddles, apparel, and pickleball gear, further professionalizing the sport. As more brands invest in pickleball, the opportunities for players to secure lucrative endorsement deals will continue to grow, further elevating the sport’s profile.

The Road to Olympic Recognition

As the 2024 season unfolds, the conversation around pickleball’s inclusion in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles continues to gain momentum. Advocates are pushing for pickleball to be recognized as an Olympic sport, and the growth of professional leagues and international tournaments is helping to make that case. The rise of professional pickleball has brought increased visibility to the sport, both domestically and globally, positioning it as a potential candidate for Olympic inclusion.

While the road to the Olympics is still uncertain, the professional growth of pickleball in 2024 is a significant step toward achieving that goal. As the sport continues to gain traction worldwide, its inclusion in future Olympic Games seems increasingly possible.

Conclusion: A Pivotal Year for Professional Pickleball

The 2024 professional pickleball season promises to be the most exciting and competitive yet, with new talent, major events, and growing prize money elevating the sport to new heights. As players like Ben Johns, Anna Leigh Waters, and Riley Newman dominate the court, fans around the world will have more opportunities than ever to watch the action unfold.

With expanding leagues, higher stakes tournaments, and continued discussions about Olympic inclusion, the future of professional pickleball looks incredibly bright. Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to the sport, 2024 is shaping up to be a year that will redefine pickleball’s place in the world of professional sports.