Racket to Riches: Ben Johns' Journey to Pickleball Millionaire

Pickleball, once a niche sport, has catapulted its top players into the realm of million-dollar earnings, exemplified by Ben Johns, the world's leading professional pickleball player. From a modest $50,000 in 2018, earned mostly through national tournament winnings, Johns' income has skyrocketed to an impressive $2.5 million in 2023 from pickleball salary alone, supplemented further by endorsements and sponsorship deals. This tenfold increase since 2021 underscores the explosive growth and lucrative potential of professional pickleball, fueled by substantial private equity investments and expanding global interest.

The recent merger of the two largest professional pickleball leagues into the Unified Pickleball Association, backed by a $75 million investment, marks a significant step in professionalizing the sport. This merger promises to enhance player payouts by nearly 250% compared to last year, reflecting the sport's burgeoning appeal and its attractiveness to sponsors and media partners. The planned expansion into India, the world's most populous country, is set to further elevate the sport's profile on a global stage, potentially increasing payouts through more extensive sponsorship and media deals.

Johns is not just making strides on the court but also in the financial realm, engaging actively in investments ranging from the stock market to startups and cryptocurrencies. His diverse portfolio includes pickleball-related ventures and an artificial intelligence company, showcasing his knack for venture capital and money management. Off the court, Johns dreams of playing with personalities like Elon Musk, Novak Djokovic, and Kevin Hart, highlighting his broad range of interests and connections beyond sports.