How Much Do Pro Pickleball Players Make?

Pickleball isn’t just a fun game. For many players, pickleball is an occupation -- and an extremely profitable one at that. It’s well known that many pickleball players make good money, but how much do pro pickleball players make?

This blog provides some insight into the average professional pickleball salary. Aside from offering a general estimate of their earnings, we explain all of the various revenue streams for pros. Keep reading to learn how to monetize your passion for pickleball and turn your favorite sport into a career.

How Much a Professional Pickleball Player Makes

While some enthusiastic players take pickleball to the next level, it isn’t just passion that drives them. Many professional pickleball players can make a living by taking their performance to the next level and winning competitions.

Pickleball doesn’t pay much money directly -- the direct wages of pickleball players tend to range between $45,000 and $60,000. The pickleball pros who earn a lot of money get the majority of their income from sponsorships and endorsements.

5 Components of a Pro Pickleball Salary

The revenue from pickleball comes from a few discrete sources. Foremost, pickleball tournaments provide a good amount of money. Sponsorships also often account for a considerable portion of a player’s income.

The top-earning pickleball players often use additional income sources, however. Many proficient pickleball players offer pickleball coaching services. Some also make media appearances to earn extra funds. The sky's the limit for particularly savvy pickleball experts.

We’ll share the 5 most common ways to make money as a pickleball player below.

1. Tournament Winnings

Tournament winnings make up a significant part of the income of many professional pickleball players. There are over 150 professional pickleball tournaments in the United States alone. As a result, there are a lot of potential opportunities to win games and make a living.

Many pickleball tournaments have huge prize pools. Unfortunately, pickleball tournament winnings aren’t a substantial source of income. Professional players often end up walking away with between $300 and $2500 after a single pickleball tournament. Even a successful career doesn’t guarantee a living wage from tournament winnings alone.

This is unfortunate when compared to what other athletes earn. For example, professional tennis players can earn millions from sponsorships and winnings. These professionals are often of a similar caliber to the best pickleball players.

2. Sponsorship and Endorsements

One of the most significant ways pickleball players and other professional athletes make money is through sponsorships and endorsements. When a professional player becomes particularly prolific and skilled, many companies are willing to support their career. They give players the opportunity to promote their products in exchange for compensation. Players often get free gear out of these deals, such as shoes, pickleball paddles, and more.

It’s very common for companies to provide sponsorships or endorsement deals. For example, companies like FILA and Adidas frequently sponsor pickleball players. Unfortunately, most big companies only offer sponsorships and endorsement deals to the best pickleball players. As a result, getting recognized in this manner can take a while.

3. Coaching and Instruction

It’s not uncommon for new players to want to get better at pickleball with some guidance. The best professionals have something few others do: expertise. Thus, many skilled pickleball players make money by providing coaching and instruction.

These professional coaches make money in a variety of ways. Some provide in-person coaching on local courts, while others produce online resources. Some will work with players one-on-one, while others offer classes. All are capable of making a great living.

4. Media and Broadcasting

One unexpected way that professional pickleball players earn money is through media deals. Many of the best pickleball players can make thousands of dollars through media appearances. This typically occurs when they’re working to provide exposure for their sponsor.

Other pickleball players carve out their own path by starting a website or YouTube Channel. Some even maintain social media accounts on Instagram or TikTok. Rather than relying on the media to pick them up, these players provide vital resources directly to viewers worldwide. In many cases, these players can get sponsorships as a result of their channel.

Pickleball influencers may be offered brand deals from brands large and small. Many will be athletic brands, but some may come from different but related industries. The stronger your content, the more likely you are to attract interest from sponsors. This is a great way for up-and-coming pickleball players to garner attention and build a brand.

5. Other Sources of Income

For particularly savvy pickleball players, the sky's the limit regarding how many ways they can make money. Many pickleball pros make good money by pursuing unique forms of entrepreneurship.

Some pickleball pro players have found success selling merchandise and equipment. For example, Kyle Yates makes significant money selling quality pickleball sportswear through PB1965.

Others have taken coaching to the next level by founding pickleball academies. Sarah Ansboury founded the Ansboury Academy. Her goal is to provide quality lessons to players in real life and through the internet. -- and Now that the program is up and running, she makes great income while doing so.

These two pickleball pros have something in common. They took their experiences from playing pickleball and identified unmet needs within the community. Yates recognized that many players would appreciate better sportswear, while Ansboury realized that many pickleball novices needed extra help.

The Value of a Professional Pickleball Career

It can be intimidating to consider making a living by playing pickleball. But with the proper dedication to the sport, anything is possible. Knowing how a pro pickleball player makes money is a great first step if you want to find a way to live the dream yourself.

If you have a pickleball platform, consider making some extra money by joining Pickleball Superstore’s SuperAffiliate program. You’ll earn a monthly commission.

All you have to do is share a unique URL or coupon code with friends, family, students, or subscribers. We’re investing up to 32% into our SuperAffiliates. We’re proud to be the most robust and lucrative affiliate program in pickleball.

Enroll now and start making money from your passion for pickleball.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pro Pickleball Salaries

What Is the Average Salary for a Professional Pickleball Player?

The average salary for a professional pickleball player depends. Many players earn between $45,000 and $60,000, but salaries vary widely. Some of the best pickleball players have been reported to earn three-figure salaries. Many players can raise their incomes by pursuing sponsorships and alternative income sources.

How Do Players Qualify for Professional Tournaments?

Pickleball players must typically qualify for professional tournaments by becoming prolific in lower tournaments. Many low-level tournaments provide the opportunity to earn recognition and gradually ‘rank up.’ With enough success, the top players in low-level tournaments can eventually move on to the professional leagues.

Can Amateur Players Earn Money Through Pickleball?

Amateur players can earn money through pickleball. Many low-level tournaments offer a bit of cash to the winners, too. Consider signing up for our superaffilliate program here as well to make additional money for sharing your favorite products! 

It’s typically much more difficult for low-level pickleball players to make a living through tournament winnings. Likewise, sponsorship opportunities at this level aren’t particularly common. With that said, they can happen. Pursue your dreams and don’t give up hope.