How to Land Pickleball Sponsorships & Get Paid to Play
Pickleball is no longer just a backyard sport—it’s a multi-million dollar industry with sponsorship opportunities for players at every level. Whether you're an aspiring pro, social media influencer, or local tournament competitor, sponsorships can help you get paid to play the sport you love.
With major brands like Skechers, Joola, Selkirk, and Franklin Sports investing in pickleball, players now have more opportunities than ever to land sponsorship deals. But how do you actually secure a sponsorship? What are brands looking for? And how can you turn your passion for pickleball into a source of income?
In this deep dive, we’ll cover:
How pickleball players make money through sponsorships
What brands look for in athletes and influencers
Step-by-step strategies to land sponsorship deals
How to maximize your earning potential in pickleball
Let’s get started!
How Do Pickleball Players Make Money Through Sponsorships?
Sponsorships are one of the biggest income sources for pro and semi-pro players, but they’re also available to rising players, coaches, and social media influencers.
Here are the main ways pickleball players earn money through sponsorships:
Paddle & Gear Sponsorships
Major brands like Selkirk, Joola, Franklin, Paddletek, and Engage sponsor players in exchange for brand promotion and gear usage.
Players typically get free paddles, apparel, and sometimes a direct payment.
Some brands offer affiliate commissions, meaning players earn a percentage from sales they drive.
Apparel & Footwear Sponsorships
Companies like Skechers, Fila, and Adidas sponsor pickleball players to promote their gear.
Top players receive free shoes, clothing, and sometimes performance bonuses.
Social media influencers can land apparel sponsorships even if they don’t compete professionally.
Tournament & Event Sponsorships
Players receive direct funding for travel, entry fees, and accommodation.
Sponsors want high visibility in major events, so being active in the tournament scene helps.
Some brands cover 100% of player expenses in exchange for exclusivity.
Social Media Brand Deals
Players with strong Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube followings get paid to promote brands.
Content creators earn through sponsored posts, product placements, and affiliate marketing.
Even amateur players can secure deals by creating engaging content.
Coaching & Clinic Partnerships
Some brands sponsor players who run clinics and training camps.
This helps brands get their products in front of serious players.
Sponsored players may earn commission on paddle sales at events.
What Brands Look for in a Pickleball Sponsorship Partner
Companies don’t just hand out sponsorships—they invest in players who bring value. Here’s what they’re looking for:
A Strong Playing Resume (or Social Media Presence)
If you’re a top-ranked player, brands will want to align with you.
If you’re not a pro, a large and engaged social media following can make you just as attractive.
A Professional Image & Personal Brand
Brands want positive, marketable athletes who represent their values.
Your attitude, sportsmanship, and online presence matter.
Active Tournament Participation
Competing in PPA, MLP, or APP tournaments increases your exposure.
More TV coverage and live streams = more value for sponsors.
High Engagement on Social Media
You don’t need 100,000 followers, but brands care about engagement.
Are people commenting, liking, and sharing your posts? That’s what sponsors want!
Willingness to Promote the Brand
Sponsorship isn’t just free gear—it’s a marketing partnership.
Players are expected to post, wear, and promote the brand actively.
Step-by-Step Guide to Landing Pickleball Sponsorships
Now that you know what brands are looking for, here’s a step-by-step guide to getting sponsored:
Step 1: Build Your Personal Brand
Choose a consistent social media handle across platforms.
Post high-quality pickleball content—match highlights, training tips, or lifestyle posts.
Showcase your personality and passion for the sport.
Step 2: Grow Your Online Presence
Engage with other players, fans, and brands on social media.
Post regularly on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
Use popular hashtags like #Pickleball, #PickleballLife, #PickleballPro.
Step 3: Play in More Tournaments
Sign up for local, regional, and national tournaments.
Get a DUPR or UTPR ranking to track your progress.
Post match results and tournament experiences online.
Step 4: Reach Out to Brands (The Right Way!)
Find contact emails for sponsorship managers on company websites.
Send a short, professional email introducing yourself:
Who you are
Your achievements or social media stats
How you can help promote their brand
Offer value first—brands don’t just give free stuff away!
Step 5: Negotiate Your Sponsorship Deal
Some brands offer free gear, others offer money.
Start small and prove your worth before asking for cash.
If a brand offers an affiliate deal, promote it aggressively to show results.
How to Maximize Your Sponsorship Earnings
Landing a deal is just the start—here’s how to increase your income from sponsorships:
Be Active on Social Media
Post 3-5 times per week featuring your sponsor’s gear.
Tag the brand and engage with their content.
Use trending hashtags to increase your reach.
Run Clinics & Camps with Sponsored Gear
Teach local pickleball clinics using your sponsor’s products.
Offer exclusive discounts for attendees.
Negotiate Performance Bonuses
Some sponsors pay extra for tournament wins or major TV coverage.
Always ask about incentives beyond free gear.
Monetize with Affiliate Sales
Get a custom discount code to drive product sales.
Some paddle brands pay 15-30% commission on sales.
Conclusion
Sponsorships are one of the biggest opportunities in pickleball right now. Whether you’re a rising pro, social media influencer, or coach, there are multiple ways to get paid to play.
Start building your brand, growing your following, and playing in tournaments—the sponsors will follow!
Are you trying to land a pickleball sponsorship? Drop a comment and let us know your goals!