Rise of Pickleball
The Rise of Pickleball: From Backyard Beginnings to Hollywood Spotlight
Pickleball is rapidly transforming from a casual backyard game into a mainstream sensation. The sport’s explosive growth is evident through its increasing player base, rising professional earnings, and significant media attention. The Rise of Pickleball is interesting to be a part of.
The Rise of Pickleball Star Anna Leigh Waters
At just 17 years old, Anna Leigh Waters has become the face of pickleball. Her journey began in 2017 when her family evacuated Florida due to Hurricane Irma. Introduced to the game by her grandfather in Pennsylvania, she quickly transitioned from tennis to pickleball.
Waters turned professional at the age of 12, becoming the youngest pro pickleball player in history. Now, she holds the number one ranking in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. Her agent, Kelly Wolf at Octagon, predicts she will earn over $3 million in 2024, making her the highest-paid player in the sport.
The Rise of Pickleball Professional Earnings
Anna Leigh’s financial success is bolstered by endorsement and sponsorship deals with major brands. She has partnerships with Fila for clothing and shoes, Paddletek for pickleball paddles, and other companies like Carvana, Lock Laces, Pickleball4America, Shiseido, Cetaphil, Biofreeze, and Collectbobbles.
“I’m young, I’m still living with my parents, but I make over seven figures a year,” Waters shared. Her agent added, “There’s nobody else out there that has all these deals that she has right now.”
During the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic played a significant role in pickleball’s growth. With limited social activities, families turned to pickleball as a fun and accessible way to stay active. Public parks and homemade courts became popular venues, leading to a surge in participation. The sport grew from nearly nothing to 13.6 million U.S. players in just a few years.
The New Pickleball Movie
Pickleball’s influence has now reached Hollywood. Former tennis world number one Andy Roddick is set to make his big-screen debut in the upcoming pickleball comedy “The Dink”. The film, produced by Ben Stiller’s Red Hour Films, will feature stars like Jake Johnson, Mary Steenburgen, and Ed Harris.
The storyline follows a washed-up tennis pro, played by Johnson, who must embrace pickleball to save a struggling club and earn his father’s respect. Filming is scheduled to begin in Los Angeles this November.
Pickleball Taking a Page from Tennis
The upcoming film has the potential to do for pickleball what movies like “Challengers” did for tennis. After the release of “Challengers”, searches for “adult tennis lessons” surged by 245% worldwide. Similarly, “The Dink” could propel pickleball’s popularity to new heights.
The Rise of Pickleball Among Tennis Legends
Many tennis greats are embracing pickleball. Legends like Andre Agassi, John McEnroe, Novak Djokovic, Steffi Graf, and Maria Sharapova have participated in pickleball events and exhibitions. Waters herself has played with Jack Sock and caught the attention of Andre Agassi during a recent match. “Two tournaments ago in Las Vegas, Andre Agassi actually watched one of my singles matches, which was pretty cool,” she said.
Major League Pickleball
Anna Leigh Waters currently plays for the New Jersey 5’s in Major League Pickleball (MLP), a league with team owners like Tom Brady and LeBron James. The team recently showcased their talent at CityPickle in Central Park. The event was a “massive moment” for raising awareness and attracting potential sponsors and media rights deals.
Waters went a perfect 10-0 in her games, improving her season record to 26-2. “I think it’s just really good for the sport,” she said. “There’s like eight million people in New York, so just the fact that we’re going to be playing in Central Park and all the people who aren’t even there to watch pickleball but are just at the park are going to be seeing this.”
Anna Leigh Waters: Balancing Life and Professional Success
Waters graduated high school a year early by taking online classes. She’s taking this year to enjoy life as a professional athlete and doesn’t feel she’s missing out on traditional high school experiences. “I was home-schooled since third grade, so I’ve kind of been used to the sports and school type of thing,” she explained. “But I also enjoy doing things outside of pickleball, like I love to cook, bake, hang out with my friends.”
Frequently Asked Questions About the Rise of Pickleball
What is driving the rise of pickleball’s popularity?
The sport’s simplicity and accessibility make it appealing to people of all ages. Its rapid growth during the pandemic and celebrity involvement have also contributed.
How much do professional pickleball players earn?
Earnings are increasing rapidly. Top players like Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns are projected to earn over $2.5 million annually from salaries and endorsements.
Is pickleball replacing tennis?
While pickleball is growing, it complements rather than replaces tennis. Many players enjoy both sports, and tennis professionals are increasingly participating in pickleball events.
What impact could the movie “The Dink” have on pickleball?
The film could significantly boost the sport’s popularity, similar to how movies like “Challengers” increased interest in tennis. It has the potential to introduce pickleball to a wider audience.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Pickleball
With its surge in popularity and entry into mainstream media, pickleball shows no signs of slowing down. The sport’s ability to bring people together and its growing professional scene suggest a bright future ahead. As more people pick up a paddle, the rise of pickleball continues to reshape the landscape of recreational and professional sports.
