Anna Leigh Waters is set to make history as the highest-paid pickleball player in 2024, according to her agent, Kelly Wolf, as reported by Forbes. Waters is projected to earn over $3 million this year, exceeding the earnings of even Ben Johns, the current number one player in the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA). This impressive financial achievement reflects Waters’ dominance in the sport and her growing popularity among brands.
In May, Ben Johns told CNBC that he anticipated earning over $2.5 million in 2024 through his salary and endorsements. While Johns is a top earner, Waters’ projected earnings showcase her growing influence and lucrative endorsement portfolio. She has partnered with a range of brands, including Fila, Paddletek, Carvana, Lock Laces, Shiseido, and Cetaphil, establishing herself as a sought-after figure in the sports marketing world.
“She will earn more than $3 million this year,” Wolf said in a phone interview. “She has become the face of pickleball and both the PPA Tour [Professional Pickleball Association] and MLP [Major League Pickleball] know that.” Wolf emphasized Waters’ unique position in the sport, stating, “There’s nobody else out there that has all these deals that she has right now.”
Waters’ success is a testament to her exceptional talent and her journey to the top of the pickleball world. She holds the top ranking in the world for singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, demonstrating her versatility and consistent performance. Her passion for pickleball began at a young age, ignited by her grandfather after her family relocated to Pennsylvania due to Hurricane Irma in 2017.
At just 11 years old, Waters stepped in for her mother, Leigh Waters, during a doubles tournament in Dallas, showcasing her natural talent and dedication. “So my mom asked me to fill in and we played and got silver in the pro tournament, and my mom was like, “Ok, I guess you’re ready to play pro with me,’” Waters shared with Forbes. In 2019, she made history as the youngest professional pickleball player, solidifying her position as a rising star.
Waters has prioritized her athletic career, opting for homeschooling since the third grade and graduating high school a year early through online classes. Despite her demanding training schedule, she finds time for hobbies like cooking, baking, and spending time with friends. Anna Leigh Waters’ journey is an inspiring story of talent, dedication, and a passion for the sport that has propelled her to the top of the pickleball world and into the spotlight of global recognition.
