The Explosive Growth of Pickleball: Why Now Is the Best Time to Go Pro
Pickleball is no longer just a casual backyard sport—it’s a booming professional industry with growing tournament payouts, sponsorships, and career opportunities. If you’ve ever considered going pro, now is the perfect time to make your move.
In this blog, we’ll explore:
The massive growth of pickleball worldwide
How professional pickleball players make money
Why NOW is the best time to start a career in pickleball
Let’s dive in!
The Pickleball Boom: Why the Sport Is Exploding
The numbers don’t lie—pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in America for the third year in a row.
Key stats:
Over 36.5 million Americans played pickleball in 2023 (SFIA Report)
The Pro Pickleball Association (PPA) and Major League Pickleball (MLP) have millions in prize money
Major brands like Adidas, Skechers, and Joola are investing heavily in pickleball
What does this mean for players? More money, more exposure, and more career opportunities than ever before.
How Pro Pickleball Players Make Money
Want to make a living playing pickleball? Here are the main income streams for professional players:
Tournament Winnings – Top players earn $100,000+ annually from PPA, MLP, and APP events.
Sponsorships & Endorsements – Brands pay pros to promote paddles, apparel, and shoes.
Coaching & Clinics – Pros run high-ticket training sessions and camps.
Social Media & Content Creation – YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram offer huge revenue potential.
Why Now Is the Best Time to Go Pro
More Prize Money Than Ever – PPA and MLP are raising payouts every year.
Mainstream Exposure Is Growing – ESPN, CBS, and YouTube are broadcasting pickleball tournaments.
NIL & Sponsorship Deals Are Expanding – Even college athletes can now monetize their image in pickleball.
If you’ve been on the fence about turning pro, 2024 is the year to make your move.
Conclusion
The pickleball explosion is creating real career opportunities for players. Whether you’re aiming for tournament wins, sponsorships, or a coaching career, there’s never been a better time to go pro.
Want to take the leap? Drop a comment and tell us your goals!