Pro pickleball's real inflection point: Why what's happening now matters more than the merger

Jared Paul

Founder of The Kitchen

Last Edited

Jul 29 2025

What’s happening in pro pickleball right now?

The PPA Tour is asking players to restructure the final year of their current contracts, spreading the compensation over the next three years. At the same time, the tour is reintroducing performance-based pay, giving top athletes the chance to earn more based on wins, not just appearances.

This shift marks a return to what many believe is a healthier and more sustainable structure for professional pickleball players.

Our relationship with the United Pickleball Association (UPA)

At The Kitchen, we want to be transparent about our role. We are partners with the UPA, which oversees the PPA, MLP and Pickleball Central. That means we help amplify their events, athletes and news through our media platform.

We have full autonomy in who we work with. We’re intentional about partnering only with brands that elevate the sport, whether endemic (pickleball-focused) or non-endemic. And just as importantly, we work with people we believe in — because culture matters as much as content.

We’ve partnered with the APP in the past, then MLP, and today we’re proud to support the unified vision of the UPA. But let’s be clear: we’re not a mouthpiece. We advocate for what we believe is best for the future of pickleball — and that sometimes means pushing back on our partners too.

Why the pickleball merger was just the beginning

The PPA-MLP merger was necessary. It streamlined the professional scene, helped eliminate bidding wars and created a more consistent product for fans and sponsors. But it also revealed cracks in the foundation — especially around player contracts and pickleball salaries.

Here’s what happened post-merger:

1. Inflated contracts created a bubble

In the rush to lock in talent, both the PPA Tour and MLP handed out guaranteed contracts far beyond what the sport’s revenue could support.

2. Market correction was inevitable

With both leagues now under one roof, the need to outbid each other vanished. As a result, the market is correcting — and that includes bringing player pay back in line with actual performance and ROI.

3. Return to performance-based compensation

The PPA Tour is shifting back toward a merit-based system. Win more, earn more. This model rewards the best players, increases fan engagement and creates a stronger long-term foundation for the tour.

Were pickleball players overpaid?

To put it bluntly: yes — many (not all) pro pickleball players were overpaid. Some received 3-5x more than their actual value, especially in the 2022–2023 “gold rush” era.

Some players — especially former tennis pros ranked outside the top 20 — made more in pickleball over three years than they did in their entire tennis careers. If they manage their money wisely, some could retire off what they earned during this explosive window.

As someone close to many of these players, I’m genuinely happy they cashed in. They found the sport at the right time — just like we did at The Kitchen. But now it’s time for professional pickleball salaries to stabilize in a way that sustains growth.

How the PPA Tour elevated the pro pickleball scene

Despite criticism, the PPA Tour has played a critical role in growing the sport. Here’s how:

Professionalized tournaments: The PPA Tour runs polished, well-organized events with professional broadcasting and consistent scheduling.

Broke through to national media: The PPA Tour secured major media deals, putting pickleball on TV and streaming platforms nationwide.

Recruited elite talent: Even amidst shifting compensation, the PPA Tour remains the top destination for competitive players.

Built a fan base: Through smart social content and storytelling, the PPA Tour has grown a loyal, engaged audience.

Created pickleball stars: They’ve helped develop player personalities and rivalries — key for long-term fan engagement.

Beyond the pro tour, this visibility has led to more local pickleball courts, better gear and stronger teaching infrastructure. That’s real progress.

The cost of guaranteed contracts

While guaranteed money helped stabilize players’ income, it also made winning and losing feel less important. Some top athletes began to coast, simply collecting checks without producing on-court results. The product suffered.

Meanwhile, the PPA Tour has lost tens of millions of dollars annually, all while continuing to pay players in full. They deserve major credit for sticking to their commitments.

What this moment means for the future of pickleball

The pickleball boom isn’t slowing down. We’re seeing:

-More racket sports athletes turning to pickleball

-Explosive growth in junior pickleball

-The next generation of pickleball prodigies on the rise

We’re likely just a few years away from a wave of Anna Leigh Waters-type talents who’ve been training with paddles since early childhood.

That’s why staying on the PPA Tour should be seen as a privilege, not a pay cut.

Players restructuring their deals aren’t being punished — they’re being given three more years on the most visible stage in the sport. That’s a chance to:

-Win championships

-Build personal brands

-Land sponsorships

-Be part of the next chapter in pickleball’s evolution

And if players choose not to restructure? That’s OK, too. From what I’ve heard, the PPA will honor every remaining contract, paying out through 2026 in full. For some players, this might make the most sense — those who aren’t winning as often or who rely on the tour to raise their profile. I don’t think anyone, including the PPA or Connor Pardoe, would fault those players.

Final thoughts: Why this is pickleball’s most important moment

This isn’t just about contracts. It’s about setting a sustainable path forward for professional pickleball — a sport on the verge of something truly massive.

We’re not just talking about one league, one brand, or one generation of players. We’re talking about the future of pickleball as a legitimate global sport.

Let’s make the right decisions now — while we still can.

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