Pickleball has emerged as the most lucrative sport for female athletes globally, with its popularity surging over the past five years, leading to significant financial rewards. According to recent data released by the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA), pickleball offers highly profitable opportunities for women in the sport, with many athletes earning substantial salaries. The average income for over 60 women competing on the PPA Tour and in Major League Pickleball this year stands at $260,000 (approximately Rs 2 crore). This is higher than the average annual earnings of WNBA players and more than double the salary of athletes in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
In total, professional pickleball has generated a remarkable $30 million in player earnings this year, split between both male and female athletes. This season is expected to be remembered as a high point in the sport’s history, setting the stage for continued growth and success in the coming years. The financial success of pickleball reflects the increasing recognition of the sport’s appeal and potential, particularly for women.
One of the key factors driving pickleball’s rapid growth is its unique competitive structure, where men and women often compete together on the same court. This creates an equal playing field, giving female athletes the same opportunity to impact the game as their male counterparts. Samin Odhwan, Chief Strategy Officer at the United Pickleball Association, highlighted that, statistically, female players are increasingly outperforming men in terms of overall value and influence on the game.
Odhwan also pointed out an interesting trend in mixed doubles, where the ball is often directed towards the female player, based on the assumption that she is the weaker competitor. However, recent analyses suggest that this strategy is misguided, as women are demonstrating exceptional skill and resilience on the court, challenging traditional gender assumptions in sports.
With continued investment and rising recognition, pickleball is set to become a dominant force in the world of professional sports, offering women unprecedented opportunities for success both on and off the court.