Pickleball's explosive growth has created a new challenge—transforming from casual backyard game to a serious professional sport.

Pickleball is now recognized as a professional sport, with organized leagues, high-level players, sponsorships, and global media attention.

What does it really mean for a sport to "go pro"? Let’s take a deeper look together.

Is pickleball becoming a professional sport?

Pickleball used to be just a fun pastime. But as courts filled and tournaments exploded, the question arose—is this a professional sport now?

Yes, pickleball is rapidly becoming a professional sport, with formal leagues, media deals, and a growing fanbase supporting elite competition.

Shifting from Hobby to Profession

Over the last five years, I’ve watched pickleball evolve at lightning speed. With the launch of leagues like the PPA¹ (Professional Pickleball Association) and MLP² (Major League Pickleball), we're seeing increased structure, marketing, and prize money. That structure signals a serious shift toward professionalism.

H3: What Makes a Sport “Professional”?

Criteria	Casual Game	Professional Sport
Organized Leagues	Rare	Regular and structured
Sponsorships	Minimal	Major brands involved
Player Salaries	None or low	Growing annual contracts
Media Coverage	Local or none	National and international
Fan Base	Small communities	Expanding globally

Pickleball checks every one of these boxes now. Players are drafted into teams. There are team owners. Even celebrities are investing.

But it’s not just about appearances—it’s about sustainability. That’s where true professionalism is tested. As someone who works with businesses in this space, I can say with confidence: it’s not a trend—it’s an industry.

How much do pro pickleball players make per year?

Turning pro used to mean financial risk in emerging sports. But how does that apply to pickleball players today?

Top pro pickleball players can earn over $200,000 annually³ through prize money, sponsorships, appearance fees, and brand deals.

Income Breakdown for Professional Pickleball Players

Most players earn money through more than just tournament winnings. Here’s how a typical income stream might look:

H3: Annual Earnings Breakdown (Top-Tier Player)

Income Source	Estimated Amount (USD)
Tournament Winnings	$50,000–$100,000
Sponsorships	$60,000–$120,000
Clinics & Coaching	$10,000–$30,000
Social Media/Branding	$5,000–$20,000
Endorsements & Gear	$20,000–$50,000

Some players, like Ben Johns or Anna Leigh Waters, are making significant incomes through a combination of high-level performance and marketability.

But it’s not all top-dollar yet. Many players still supplement their income with part-time jobs or coaching. The gap between the top 10 and the rest is wide, but shrinking year by year. As a manufacturer, I’ve noticed how demand for sponsorships and paddle deals is climbing—especially from mid-tier players aiming to go full-time.

What is the new sport taking over pickleball?

Whenever a sport hits the mainstream, the public quickly asks: is something new already taking its place?

No single sport is currently taking over pickleball, though emerging games like padel⁴ and spec tennis⁵ are gaining interest.

Comparing Emerging Racquet Sports

Pickleball has serious momentum. But there are rising challengers. Here's how they compare:

H3: Pickleball vs. Emerging Alternatives

Sport	Popularity (US)	Growth Rate	Equipment Cost	Learning Curve
Pickleball	Very High	Rapid	Moderate	Easy
Padel	Moderate	Fast	High	Moderate
Spec Tennis	Low	Steady	Low	Easy

Padel has exploded in Europe and parts of Latin America, and it’s making its way into the US market. However, it requires larger courts and more complex infrastructure. Spec tennis is simpler but lacks a strong community yet.

From where I stand, pickleball still has the edge—especially because it’s easier to pick up, space-efficient, and backed by major investments. But no sport is immune to shifts. Staying professional means staying adaptable.

When did pickleball turn professional?

It didn’t happen overnight—but there was a clear tipping point when hobby turned into high-stakes competition.

Pickleball began its transition to professional status around 2019, with the formation of formal leagues and national tournament structures.

Timeline of Professional Growth

The signs of change were everywhere by 2019. That’s when the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) was founded, followed by the MLP in 2021. These organizations gave structure, visibility, and incentives for players to turn pro.

H3: Key Milestones in Pickleball's Pro Journey

Year	Milestone
2019	PPA founded, first tour calendar established
2021	MLP launched with team-based competition
2022	Celebrity investors enter the sport
2023	CBS, ESPN start airing pickleball tournaments
2024	MLP and PPA announce merger for unified league

Each of these events brought new levels of professionalism. For me as a supplier, the shift was obvious—more inquiries for custom paddles, tighter quality specs, and a demand for brand partnerships.

The question now isn’t if it’s professional. It’s: how far can we take it?

Conclusion

Pickleball is no longer just a game—it's a growing professional sport with global ambition, serious players, and real opportunity.