Pro Pickleball Players Outearn WNBA Stars

Pickleball’s Rising Star: League Sees Growth in Attendance, Players, and Salaries

The Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) and Major League Pickleball (MLP) have seen significant growth in recent years, with the average salary of over 60 female players reaching $260,000. This figure surpasses the highest-paid WNBA player’s annual salary and more than double the average salary of National Women’s Soccer League athletes. In total, pro pickleball players earned over $30 million, not including endorsement deals.

History of Pickleball’s Rise to Prominence

Pickleball, which was formed through the merger of the PPA Tour and MLP, has come a long way since its inception. In December 2023, some players formed a collective to voice their concerns about the future of Major League Pickleball after being asked to take a 40% pay cut. The merger with the Professional Pickleball Association in February 2024 brought in $75 million of outside investment and created the United Pickleball Association (UPA).

Key Developments and Statistics

• 2024 saw 320,000 fans attend PPA Tour and MLP events, a 40% increase from the previous year.
• The average salary of over 60 female players reached $260,000, surpassing the highest-paid WNBA player’s annual salary and more than double the average salary of National Women’s Soccer League athletes.
• Pro pickleball players earned over $30 million, not including endorsement deals.
• The PPA Tour and MLP retained their own distinct brands, with the PPA Tour featuring an individual bracket-style tour and MLP a team-based format.
• The UPA has 50+ sponsors across both the PPA Tour and MLP brands, with a 50% year-over-year growth in sponsorship revenue.
• The UPA projects revenue to top $100 million in the next few years.

United Pickleball Association’s Roadmap for the Future

The UPA’s chief strategy officer, Samin Odhwani, believes the merger has brought immense efficiencies, allowing the league to refine its product and business. This includes cross-promotional opportunities for players and doors with sponsors and their sales team. Odhwani projects that the UPA will continue to grow, with revenue expected to reach $100 million in the next few years.

Conclusion

Pickleball’s rise to prominence is a testament to the sport’s growing popularity. With increased attendance, player salaries, and revenue, the United Pickleball Association is poised for continued growth and success. As the sport continues to evolve, fans can expect to see more of the world’s top players competing on the court.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the average salary of professional pickleball players?
A: The average salary of over 60 female players is $260,000.

Q: How much did pro pickleball players earn in 2024?
A: Pro pickleball players earned over $30 million, not including endorsement deals.

Q: What is the future outlook for the United Pickleball Association?
A: The UPA projects revenue to top $100 million in the next few years, with a focus on expanding media rights partnerships, growing the amateur business, and building existing pros into household names in the world of sports.