Our Top Picks: Highest Paid Pickleball Players in 2025
Let me tell you something cool — I’ve been watching pickleball for years, and in 2025, the money game has gotten real! This year, we’re seeing players make more money than ever before. (Highest Paid Pickleball Players)
🎯 Why These Players Made the List
We didn’t just pick anyone. These are the highest paid pickleball players in the world in 2025. They’ve won big tournaments, landed major sponsorships, and built huge fan bases.
Some of them play singles. Some are doubles stars. But all of them are earning serious money from the sport we love.
💰 How We Picked the Top Earners
To make this list, I looked at:
- Tournament prize money
- Sponsorship deals
- Social media income
- Paddle brand partnerships
Yep, paddles can make you rich! And I’m not kidding — some players get paid just to use a brand’s paddle.
🏆 The Big Names to Know in 2025
You’ll read more about them in the next sections, but here’s a sneak peek:
- Ben Johns – the king of cash
- Anna Leigh Waters – the teen making millions
- Tyson McGuffin – the man with the mustache and the money
Let’s dive into each one. I’ll show you how they play, what they earn, and what makes them the best.
Ben Johns: Pickleball’s Highest Paid Player in 2025
If you play pickleball, you know Ben Johns. If you’re new — let me introduce you to the biggest name in the game.
I got to watch Ben play live last year. Trust me, it was like watching a superhero on the court!
🔝 How Ben Johns Became #1
Ben didn’t just get lucky. He trained hard, stayed humble, and dominated the PPA Tour. He’s been winning since his early 20s and now, in 2025, he’s the highest paid pickleball player in the world.
🥇 Ben’s Triple Crown Wins and Tour Success
Ben often wins Triple Crowns — that means he wins singles, doubles, and mixed doubles in the same event.
Here’s what that looks like:
| Year | Triple Crowns | Total Prize Money |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 5 | $450,000+ |
| 2024 | 6 | $500,000+ |
| 2025 | 7+ (projected) | $600,000+ |
🏓 Why Ben’s So Special
He plays smart. He uses control. His shots are soft but deadly. You never know where the ball is going!
When I tried one of his drills, I realized how hard it is to do what he does.
🔧 His Paddle and Sponsors
Ben uses the JOOLA Hyperion 3S paddle, and it’s built just for him. He has sponsorship deals with JOOLA, Red Bull, and even some big fitness brands.
His paddle alone brings in big bucks every year.
💵 How Much Money Does Ben Johns Make in 2025?
Let’s look at the numbers:
| Income Type | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|
| Tournament Wins | $600,000+ |
| Sponsorship Deals | $1,200,000+ |
| Coaching/Content | $300,000+ |
| Total (2025) | $2.1 Million+ |
He’s not just winning — he’s changing the game.
🧠 Ben Johns’ Legacy
Ben isn’t just a top athlete — he’s an icon. He’s helping pickleball grow, bringing in fans, and inspiring new players (like me and maybe you!).
Top 10 Highest Paid Pickleball Players Ranked (2025 List)
Here’s the list everyone’s been waiting for — the Top 10 Highest Paid Pickleball Players in 2025.
I’ve watched these players in action. They’re fast, smart, and now… rich!
📊 Live Ranking Table – 2025
| Rank | Player | Country | Age | Tournament | Live Points | Est. Earnings (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ben Johns | USA | 25 | PPA Tour | 10,000+ | $2.1M+ |
| 2 | Anna Leigh Waters | USA | 18 | MLP / PPA | 9,200 | $1.5M+ |
| 3 | Tyson McGuffin | USA | 34 | PPA Tour | 8,900 | $1.3M+ |
| 4 | Catherine Parenteau | CAN | 30 | PPA Tour | 8,500 | $1.1M+ |
| 5 | Simone Jardim | USA | 45 | Coach/MLP | 7,800 | $950K+ |
| 6 | Riley Newman | USA | 30 | PPA Tour | 7,600 | $900K+ |
| 7 | Matt Wright | USA | 35 | Doubles | 7,200 | $850K+ |
| 8 | Lucy Kovalova | SVK | 30 | PPA Tour | 6,900 | $800K+ |
| 9 | Zane Navratil | USA | 29 | Singles | 6,800 | $750K+ |
| 10 | Steve Deakin | CAN | 45 | Global | 6,500 | $700K+ |
These numbers are growing fast — just like the sport!
Spotlight on Top 5 Pickleball Player Net Worths
Ever wondered how rich the best pickleball players are? I did — so I researched and added what I found from pros, tournaments, and public deals.
Here’s a closer look at the top net worths in 2025.
💼 Ben Johns – $4.5 Million Net Worth
He makes money from:
- Winning big tournaments
- His JOOLA paddle line
- Content and clinics
He’s invested in startups too. Smart move!
👑 Simone Jardim – $3.2 Million Net Worth
She may be retired from top play, but she’s a star coach now. Her income comes from:
- Coaching elite players
- Pro League appearances
- Brand deals (like gear and shoes)
💪 Tyson McGuffin – $2.7 Million Net Worth
He’s not just a pro — he’s a brand. Tyson earns from:
- Sponsorships (Selkirk, Skechers)
- His podcast and YouTube
- Hosting pickleball camps
🎾 Catherine Parenteau – $2.3 Million Net Worth
Catherine is building her brand in 2025. She’s making money from:
- Doubles titles
- Her paddle line
- Fitness content and clinics
🔙 Kyle Yates – $1.8 Million Net Worth
Kyle was one of the first stars of the game. Now he earns through:
- Coaching
- Business ventures
- Social media deals
Women in Pickleball: Rising Earnings in 2025
I remember when most people thought only men made big money in sports. But guess what? In 2025, women in pickleball are proving everyone wrong!
Today, some of the highest paid pickleball players are women — and they are crushing it on the court and in their bank accounts.
👑 Anna Leigh Waters: The Queen of Pickleball Pay
Let’s talk about Anna Leigh Waters. She’s only 18 years old and already a millionaire. I saw her win a championship match last year — she was so fast and focused!
In 2025, she’s at the top for women and right behind Ben Johns for total earnings.
| Player | Age | Earnings (2025) | Big Sponsors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anna Leigh Waters | 18 | $1.5M+ | Fila, Paddletek, Gatorade |
Anna gets money from:
- Winning PPA and MLP tournaments
- Paddle sponsorships
- Social media deals and interviews
📈 Do Women Earn More Than WNBA or NWSL Players?
Yes, in some cases they do! Some pro women in pickleball are earning more than female players in other leagues like the WNBA or NWSL.
That shows how fast pickleball is growing — and how powerful these women athletes are becoming.
| League | Avg. Top Salary (2025) |
|---|---|
| Pickleball Women | $1M – $1.5M+ |
| WNBA | $250K – $500K |
| NWSL | $300K – $600K |
⚖️ Equal Pay in Pickleball: Is It Real?
Yes! In many events, women and men now get equal prize money. That’s not common in every sport, so it’s amazing to see in pickleball.
Women are not just catching up — they’re leading the way!
What Top Players Earn Compared to Other Sports
When I tell friends that pickleball players make big money, they don’t believe me. So I show them the numbers. And trust me, the highest paid pickleball players in 2025 are making serious cash — even when compared to big-time sports!
🎾 Pickleball vs. Tennis: Who Earns More?
Tennis still pays more at the very top — like Novak Djokovic or Serena Williams-level. But top pickleball players now earn close to mid-tier tennis pros, especially with sponsors.
| Player | Sport | 2025 Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Ben Johns | Pickleball | $2.1M+ |
| Anna Leigh Waters | Pickleball | $1.5M+ |
| ATP/WTA Rank #50 Player | Tennis | $2M – $2.5M |
So, if you love pickleball and get really good, you can still make millions — just like the tennis stars!
🏆 Highest Payouts in Pickleball History (2025)
2025 set some records for the biggest prize money ever in pickleball. I was there watching when the finals crowd went wild after the winner took home six figures.
| Event | Winner | Prize Money |
|---|---|---|
| PPA Nationals | Ben Johns | $150,000 |
| MLP Finals | Anna Leigh Waters | $120,000 |
| US Open Pickleball | Tyson McGuffin | $100,000 |
💸 What Do #1 Players Make in a Year?
Let’s break it down. Here’s a quick table comparing top men’s and women’s yearly earnings in pickleball:
| Player | Gender | Earnings (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Ben Johns | Male | $2.1M+ |
| Anna Leigh Waters | Female | $1.5M+ |
That’s not just good for pickleball — that’s good for any sport.
FAQs: Pickleball Paychecks Explained
Lots of people ask me questions about how much money is in pickleball. Let’s answer the most common ones!
What Is the Highest Salary in Pickleball?
The highest salary in pickleball in 2025 belongs to Ben Johns — he earns over $2 million a year from tournaments, sponsorships, and paddle deals.
Who Is the Highest Paid Pickleball Player in 2025?
That title also goes to Ben Johns. But Anna Leigh Waters isn’t far behind. She’s breaking records at just 18.
Do Pro Pickleball Players Really Make Money?
Yes, they do! I used to think it was just for fun too. But now players are buying homes, driving Teslas, and even starting their own businesses — all thanks to pickleball.
What’s the Most Someone’s Won in One Tournament?
In 2025, Ben Johns won $150,000 at the PPA Nationals — the biggest prize in pickleball history so far.
Who’s Ranked #1 in Men’s and Women’s Pickleball?
- Men’s #1 – Ben Johns
- Women’s #1 – Anna Leigh Waters
They’re not just the best — they’re also the highest paid pickleball players in the world right now.
Future of Pickleball Salaries: What’s Next?
I’ve been following the pickleball money game closely. And let me tell you — the future looks 🔥 hot.
🚀 More Fans, More Money
Every year, more fans are watching and playing pickleball. That means more brands want to sponsor players — and more money flows in.
MLP teams are now owned by celebrities like LeBron James and Tom Brady. When big names join, big checks follow!
💼 Big Brands = Bigger Paydays
Players in 2025 are being signed by huge companies:
- Red Bull
- Fila
- JOOLA
- Skechers
- Wilson
These deals bring in hundreds of thousands of dollars each year — sometimes more than prize money.
💸 Can Pickleball Players Become Millionaires?
Yes — and many already have! Ben Johns, Anna Leigh Waters, Simone Jardim, and Tyson McGuffin are just a few examples.
By 2026, we may see new players making $3M or more each year.
📌 Quick Tip: If you’re serious about becoming a pro, start now! The sport is growing fast — and the money is growing with it.
Summary: The Financial Power of Pickleball Pros
I’ve followed pickleball since the days it was just a backyard game with friends. Now in 2025, it’s a serious sport — and some of the players are making big bucks!
Let’s wrap it all up and look at why pickleball paychecks are the real deal.
💡 What We Learned About the Highest Paid Pickleball Players in 2025
From Ben Johns to Anna Leigh Waters, the stars of today aren’t just playing for fun — they’re building careers. I watched them grow from young talents to millionaires with sponsors, fans, and full-time income.
These players don’t just win games — they win over companies like JOOLA, Fila, and Red Bull. That’s where a huge chunk of their money comes from.
And honestly? They earn it. They practice hard, travel a lot, and inspire millions.
💰 Quick Recap: 2025’s Top-Earning Pickleball Stars
Here’s a fast table to remember who’s making the most in 2025:
| Rank | Player | Earnings (2025) | Why They Stand Out |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ben Johns | $2.1M+ | Triple Crown champ, JOOLA deal |
| 2 | Anna Leigh Waters | $1.5M+ | Teen star, top woman in the sport |
| 3 | Tyson McGuffin | $1.3M+ | Fan favorite, fashion icon |
| 4 | Catherine Parenteau | $1.1M+ | Doubles queen, rising influencer |
| 5 | Simone Jardim | $950K+ | Coach, legend, women’s trailblazer |
Whether it’s prize money or paddle deals — these are the highest paid pickleball players of 2025.
🚀 Pickleball Is Now a Full-Time Career
This year has made one thing clear — you can now make a real living from pickleball.
Before, it was just for fun. Now, players buy houses, travel the world, and build brands. Some even start businesses and coach future champions.
If you’re dreaming of becoming a pro, 2025 is your time to start. More people are watching. More money is flowing in. And the game just keeps growing.
🔑 Final Tip: Want to Be on This List Someday?
Here’s what I’ve learned by watching and meeting these stars:
✅Play often, and play smart
✅ Build your own style
✅Grow your social media
✅ Connect with brands early
✅ Never stop learning
With hard work and heart, you could be one of the next highest paid pickleball players in the future.