Pickleball, once a quirky backyard game, has exploded into a global phenomenon, captivating millions with its unique blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. With 48.3 million players in the United States alone in 2024, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, the sport has transcended its recreational roots to become a powerhouse in the professional sports arena. Fueled by major leagues, televised tournaments, and a growing roster of star athletes, professional pickleball is redefining competitive sports. This article dives into the sport’s meteoric rise, spotlighting its professional scene, media surge, and the high-end gear that’s elevating the game—available on our retail site to help players match the pros’ intensity.
From Backyard to Big Time: The Professionalization of Pickleball
Pickleball’s journey began in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, when Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum crafted a game to entertain their families. Its accessibility—played on a compact court with simple equipment—sparked grassroots growth, leading to the formation of Pickle-Ball Inc. in 1972 and the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) in 2005. These milestones standardized rules and fueled competitive play, setting the stage for professionalization.
The sport’s professional era kicked into high gear with the establishment of the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) in 2018 and Major League Pickleball (MLP) in 2021. These organizations introduced structured tours, substantial prize money, and a team-based format, transforming pickleball into a viable career for elite athletes. The 2024 merger of PPA and MLP into the United Pickleball Association (UPA) marked a watershed moment, consolidating the sport’s top talent and resources to drive unprecedented growth.
The Professional Scene: Leagues and Tournaments
Professional pickleball thrives on its vibrant league structure and high-stakes tournaments, drawing fans and players alike to a dynamic competitive landscape.
Major Leagues Driving the Sport
- Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour: The PPA Tour is the cornerstone of professional pickleball, hosting over 20 events annually across the US. In 2024, it offered a staggering $2.5 million in prize money, attracting top players like Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters. The tour’s events, such as The Masters and the PPA Tour Championship, feature singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, showcasing the sport’s versatility. Broadcast on networks like ESPN, CBS, and FOX, PPA events reached 501,000 viewers for the Mesa Arizona Cup, the largest TV audience for a pro pickleball event to date.
- Major League Pickleball (MLP): MLP’s innovative team-based format, launched in 2021, adds a strategic twist to the sport. Teams draft players for season-long competitions, fostering camaraderie and rivalries. In 2024, MLP events saw a 43-3 performance by Anna Leigh Waters with the New Jersey 5s, earning her MVP honors. MLP’s 12 teams, backed by celebrity investors like LeBron James and Tom Brady, compete in six tournaments, with matches streamed on Pickleballtv and broadcast on FS1 and Amazon Prime.
- Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP) Tour: The APP Tour, founded in 2019, balances professional and amateur play, hosting events like the New York City Open. While less lucrative than the PPA, it offers a platform for emerging talent and international players, contributing to pickleball’s global reach.
Marquee Tournaments
Professional pickleball’s prestige is anchored by its major tournaments, which rival other sports in spectacle and prize money:
- Minto US Open Pickleball Championships: Held in Naples, Florida, this event is pickleball’s “Super Bowl,” drawing over 3,500 players and 50,000 spectators in 2024. With five pro-level championships and a $250,000 prize pool, it’s a proving ground for stars like Simone Jardim and Tyson McGuffin.
- USA Pickleball National Championships: This tournament set a record in 2024 with a massive prize purse and $5 million in venue upgrades. Broadcast on ESPN, it attracted 2.6 million TV viewers, cementing its status as a flagship event.
- PPA Tour’s The Masters: Known for its elegant all-white dress code, The Masters in January kicks off the PPA season with intense competition, drawing top talent to Palm Springs, California.
- APP Tour’s Tournament of Champions: This Utah-based event showcases the APP’s commitment to high-level play, offering significant prize money and media exposure.
These tournaments, broadcast on major networks and streamed on platforms like Pickleballtv (with 1 billion minutes watched in 2024), have elevated pickleball’s visibility, engaging fans and attracting sponsors like Carvana and Selkirk.
Star Players and Celebrity Influence
Professional pickleball’s allure is amplified by its roster of charismatic athletes and celebrity investors, who bring star power to the sport.
Notable Players
- Ben Johns: Widely regarded as pickleball’s GOAT, Johns has dominated singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, earning over $2.5 million in 2024. His precision and versatility set a benchmark for the sport.
- Anna Leigh Waters: At just 17, Waters is a triple-threat, holding PPA World No. 1 rankings in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. Her 43-3 MLP record and $1 million in earnings make her a rising icon.
- Simone Jardim: A veteran champion, Jardim’s multiple US Open titles and strategic play have inspired countless players, particularly in women’s pickleball.
- Federico Staksrud: In 2024, Staksrud became the first man to outrank Ben Johns in PPA men’s singles, signaling a new era of competition.
- Tyson McGuffin: Known for his dynamic style, McGuffin’s Triple Crown win with Catherine Parenteau in 2024 electrified fans.
These players, with endorsement deals from brands like Joola and Franklin, are not only athletes but influencers, leveraging social media to grow their personal brands and the sport’s fanbase.
Celebrity and Athlete Involvement
Pickleball’s cultural cachet has attracted high-profile investors, boosting its visibility:
- LeBron James and Tom Brady: Both own MLP teams, bringing mainstream attention to the league.
- Drake and Michael B. Jordan: Their public endorsements have fueled pickleball’s “cool factor.”
- Former Tennis Pros: Players like Jack Sock and Genie Bouchard have transitioned to pickleball, drawn by its competitive intensity and financial rewards. Sock’s shift from ATP tennis to PPA stardom highlights the sport’s appeal to elite athletes.
This celebrity influx, combined with a 40% increase in PPA and MLP social media followers in 2024, has made pickleball a trendy, must-watch sport.
Media Surge and Fan Engagement
Professional pickleball’s media presence has skyrocketed, turning it into a spectator sport. In 2024, the sport logged 350 hours of national telecasts across FOX, CBS, ESPN, and Amazon Prime, a testament to its mainstream appeal. Pickleballtv’s 1 billion minutes of streaming underscored fans’ appetite for live action, while YouTube views surged 33% to 50 million. The PPA Mesa Arizona Cup’s 501,000 viewers on FOX outdrew the MLS Cup, signaling pickleball’s growing TV dominance.
Live attendance also soared, with 320,000 fans attending PPA and MLP events in 2024, a 40% jump from 2023. Ticket sales surpassed amateur registration revenue for the first time, reflecting the sport’s shift from participatory to spectator-driven. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have become hubs for highlights, player profiles, and behind-the-scenes content, engaging a younger audience, with 28.8% of players aged 18–34.
Financial Rewards and Investment
Professional pickleball’s financial landscape is a key driver of its rise. The UPA’s 130 contracted pros earned over $30 million collectively in 2024, surpassing leagues like the WNBA and NWSL. Female players, benefiting from equal pay, averaged $260,000, outpacing the WNBA’s top salaries. Prize pools, like the $250,000 US Open, rival those of smaller ATP tennis events, while sponsorship revenue grew 50% with partners like Carvana hosting fan-centric activations.
The sport’s economic potential is vast, with a global market projected to exceed $300 million by 2031. Investments in youth programs, like the Junior PPA Tour’s 1,100 young athletes in 2024, ensure a talent pipeline, while infrastructure like the new Picklr Lehi arena in Utah underscores pickleball’s staying power.
Olympic Aspirations and Global Growth
Pickleball’s professional scene is eyeing the ultimate prize: Olympic inclusion. While not slated for the 2028 Los Angeles Games, the sport’s rapid global expansion—played in 60 countries across six continents—positions it for 2032 Brisbane or beyond. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) values pickleball’s youth appeal and growth, but challenges remain, including unifying governing bodies like the World Pickleball Federation and International Pickleball Federation. A potential demonstration sport status in 2028 could pave the way, as noted by federation president Seymour Rifkin.
International tournaments, such as the Canadian National Championships and Spanish Open, showcase global talent, with players from Argentina (Staksrud) and beyond joining the pro circuit. This globalization, coupled with technological advancements like player ranking platforms, strengthens pickleball’s case for Olympic legitimacy.
Why Upgrade to Pro-Level Gear?
To match the intensity of professional pickleball, players should invest in high-end gear that mirrors what the pros use. Upgrading your equipment enhances performance and prepares you for competitive play, whether at local clubs or pro-inspired venues like The Picklr Lehi. Here’s how to gear up with premium products from our retail site:
- Paddles: Pros like Ben Johns rely on paddles with textured surfaces for spin and control. Choose USAP-approved composite or carbon-fiber paddles for lightweight power and precision, perfect for dinking or smashes. Ensure compliance with 2025 rules allowing autographed paddles (Rule 2.E.5.c).
- Balls: High-stakes matches demand USAP-approved pickleballs with consistent bounce. Stock durable balls designed for indoor and outdoor play to withstand intense rallies.
- Footwear: The pros’ quick movements require shoes with superior traction and lateral support. Pickleball-specific or tennis shoes with non-marking soles, available in our collection, boost agility and safety on professional surfaces.
- Apparel: Moisture-wicking shirts, flexible shorts, and grippy socks keep pros comfortable during grueling matches. Our 2025 apparel line offers performance-driven designs to elevate your game and style.
- Accessories: A pro-grade pickleball bag organizes your gear, while scorekeeping tools align with 2025 rally scoring rules (Rule 12.B.1). Add insulated water bottles for hydration during long sessions.
Engaging with the Professional Scene
Fans and players can dive into professional pickleball by:
- Watching Live or Streaming: Tune into ESPN, FOX, or Pickleballtv for PPA and MLP events. Follow social media for highlights and player updates.
- Attending Tournaments: Join the 320,000 fans at events like the US Open or PPA Tour stops. Check ppapickleball.com for schedules.
- Training Like a Pro: Enroll in clinics or leagues to master 2025 rules, like immediate NVZ fault calls (Rule 13.D.1.c), and upgrade your gear to pro standards.
- Supporting Youth Programs: Back initiatives like the Junior PPA Tour to grow the sport’s future stars.
Conclusion
The rise of professional pickleball is a thrilling chapter in sports history, marked by booming leagues, blockbuster tournaments, and a star-studded player roster. With 350 hours of TV coverage, $30 million in pro earnings, and a 40% fanbase surge in 2024, pickleball is no longer a niche pastime—it’s a global force. As the sport eyes Olympic glory and expands internationally, now is the time to embrace its professional era. Upgrade your game with pro-level paddles, balls, footwear, and apparel from our retail site, and step onto the court ready to channel the energy of Ben Johns, Anna Leigh Waters, and the pickleball revolution. Let’s make 2025 the year you play like a pro!
