Pickleball Goes Pro: The Historic Rise of Competitive Play

From Backyards to Big Leagues

Pickleball’s journey from a 1965 backyard game to a professional sport is a remarkable tale of growth, with 36 million players in 2025. Competitive play has transformed pickleball, introducing professional leagues, major tournaments, and rising stars who inspire fans worldwide. From the first tournament in 1976 to the 2023 merger of major leagues, the sport has gained global attention, attracting celebrity investors and media coverage. This Pikipedia entry traces pickleball’s competitive evolution, highlighting the leagues that shaped its pro scene, the players who’ve led the charge, and the broader impact on the sport’s growth, showing how competition has turned a family pastime into a stage for legends.

Pro Play Milestones

1. 1976: First known pickleball tournament held at South Center Athletic Club in Tukwila, Washington.

2. 2005: USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) formed, standardizing rules for organized play.

3. 2019: Professional tours (APP and PPA) launched, marking the start of pro pickleball.

4. 2023: Major League Pickleball (MLP) and PPA Tour merged, backed by a $50M investment.

Major Leagues – The Rise of Pro Pickleball

Competitive pickleball took off as professional leagues emerged, turning casual play into a structured sport. The USA Pickleball Association, formed in 2005, standardized rules, paving the way for organized tournaments. In 2019, the Association of Pickleball Players (APP) and Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) launched, offering pro circuits. Major League Pickleball (MLP) followed in 2021, introducing a team-based format. The 2023 MLP-PPA merger, backed by a $50M investment, unified the pro scene, and by 2025, MLP rebranded as MLP by DoorDash with a seven-figure sponsorship. In 2024, these leagues hosted 188 tournaments, a 300% increase year-over-year, boosting visibility and prize money.

Competitive Spirit – A Pro’s Journey

The rise of pro pickleball has produced stars like Anna Leigh Waters, who became the youngest professional at age 12 in 2019. By 2025, Waters leads women’s singles with 15,300 points, sponsored by Paddletek, and is the sport’s highest-paid athlete. Her aggressive style, alongside players like Ben Johns, has redefined competitive play, inspiring a youth movement. Average pro earnings are around $50,000 annually, with top players earning more through sponsorships from brands like Selkirk and JOOLA. Waters’ success highlights how pro pickleball offers a stage for talent to shine, drawing fans and aspiring players alike.

“She would just say to herself, ‘I am not going to lose,’” reflects a commentator on Anna Leigh Waters’ fierce competitive drive that has captivated audiences.

Her journey shows how pro play has elevated pickleball, turning it into a sport where legends are born.

Fueling Growth – Competitive Play’s Broader Impact

Pro pickleball has fueled the sport’s growth to 36 million players by 2025, driving infrastructure, visibility, and community engagement. Major tournaments like the U.S. Open, with 50,000 spectators in 2024, and media coverage on CBS and Fox Sports have brought mainstream attention. Celebrity investments from LeBron James and Tom Brady have further boosted its profile. However, some X posts note concerns about league management, citing inconsistencies in rules and professionalism, suggesting the rapid growth has led to organizational challenges.

• Infrastructure:

  • 68,458 courts in 2025, with $900M needed for 25,000 more.

  • Dedicated facilities up 55% year-over-year, supporting demand.

• Visibility:

  • 188 tournaments in 2024, a 300% increase, drawing global audiences.

  • Celebrity investors like Tom Brady elevate the sport’s status.

• Community:

  • Youth participation: Over 1 million kids joined in 2023.

  • Cross-generational play: Pros inspire players of all ages.

Competitive play has turned pickleball into a global phenomenon, uniting communities through shared passion.

Conclusion

Pickleball’s rise to a professional sport has transformed it from a backyard game to a global stage, inspiring 36 million players to chase their own legends. From early tournaments to the MLP-PPA merger, competitive play has driven infrastructure, visibility, and community growth, despite some challenges in league management. Step onto the court, cheer for the pros, and share your love for the game with others. Your support can help pickleball’s competitive spirit thrive, creating legendary moments for generations to come!