Anna Leigh Waters, a name now synonymous with excellence in pickleball, has been dominating the PWR (pickleball world rankings) since its inception in July. The teenage sensation’s journey to the top is not just a personal victory but a hallmark for the sport itself. Kelly Wolf, Waters’ agent, confirmed to Forbes that the young star’s earnings will not only eclipse the previous record set by Ben John of $2.5 million in 2021 but also put her ahead of many established athletes in more traditional sports.
While Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have made their marks with impressive earnings in basketball, Waters’ projected income from pickleball highlights a significant shift in the sports industry’s financial dynamics. Clark, despite pulling in $11.1 million overall in 2024, earned a mere $100,000 from on-court performances. In contrast, Reese’s salary stood at $73,439, with a net worth of $1.5 million.
The Allure of Pickleball: More Than Just a Trend
Pickleball’s rapid ascent to mainstream popularity, especially in the U.S., is not just a fleeting trend. The sport has garnered a unique blend of intrigue and participation, drawing in audiences and players alike. Notably, the top-paid female athlete in the last WNBA season, Jackie Young, earned $252,450, a sum that Waters is expected to far exceed with her new contract.
The fascination with pickleball extends beyond the new generation of players. Tennis icons have openly expressed their support for the sport, seeing it not as a rival but as a complementary addition to the racquet sports family. Former tennis star Sam Querry, after transitioning to pickleball, expressed his enthusiasm for demonstrating the high level of skill top tennis players can bring to the sport. “That’s kind of what everyone keeps asking. And I want to be the guy to prove that,” Querry mentioned in a discussion with one37pm.com.
Global Ambassadors and the Sport’s Growing Appeal
The global promotion of pickleball has been significantly boosted by legends like Andre Agassi, who has been introducing the sport in countries like India. Moreover, the “Pickleball Slam” events featuring former tennis professionals like Steffi Graf, John McEnroe, and Maria Sharapova have added a layer of glamour and competitive spirit to the sport, increasing its popularity and visibility.
As pickleball continues to captivate and expand its horizons, young talents like Anna Leigh Waters are not only rewriting the rules of financial success in sports but also inspiring a new wave of athletes to explore unconventional paths to professional achievement. With her groundbreaking earnings and the sport’s rising profile, Waters is indeed a beacon for the potential that lies within the world of pickleball.
I am a writer with a passion for technology and gaming. I write about a variety of subjects, including Esports, Games, Shows, and Sports. I create engaging and informative content for Hiptoro.