Ben Johns has an estimated net worth of $2–4 million, making him one of the wealthiest and most successful players in professional pickleball.
With annual earnings reportedly reaching around $2.5 million, Johns has helped transform pickleball from a recreational pastime into a serious professional sport.
Widely regarded as the greatest player in pickleball history, Johns has dominated tournaments across singles, doubles, and mixed doubles.
His move to compete for the LA Mad Drops in Major League Pickleball (MLP) marks another chapter in a career defined by excellence and evolution.
More than just a champion, Ben Johns represents the modern era of pickleball where elite athleticism, sponsorship power, and business ventures combine to create global sports stars.
How Ben Johns Became Pickleball’s Greatest Player
Ben Johns’ rise to dominance began long before he picked up a pickleball paddle. Growing up in Maryland, he developed elite hand-eye coordination and tactical awareness through sports like table tennis and tennis.
Those foundational skills later translated seamlessly to pickleball.
His introduction to the sport came in 2016, when his older brother, Collin Johns, introduced him to the game.
What started casually quickly became competitive. By 2017, Ben was playing professional tournaments—and winning.
His combination of precision, power, spin control, and court intelligence quickly separated him from the field.
By 2020, he had secured the No. 1 ranking in the world, a position he would hold across multiple formats.
Today, Johns is known for his calm demeanor, calculated shot placement, and ability to dominate rallies with strategic aggression.
Triple Crowns And PPA Tour Dominance
Ben Johns’ performance on the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour has been historic.
One of his most impressive achievements is earning 21 Triple Crowns, winning gold in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles at the same tournament. This rare feat highlights not just versatility but sustained dominance across formats.
In 2024, he opened the season with major wins at the Desert Ridge Open and the Orlando Cup, reinforcing his position at the top of the sport.
The Johns Brothers Era
A defining part of Ben’s career was his partnership with his brother Collin Johns in men’s doubles. Together, they won 35 PPA titles over four years, becoming one of the most successful duos in pickleball history.
In January 2025, the brothers announced they would part ways professionally. Their final tournament together—the Zimmer Biomet Masters ended in storybook fashion, as they captured the men’s doubles title in straight games.
As Ben transitions into a new competitive phase, he has partnered with emerging talents such as Gabe Tardio, Hayden Patriquin, and Max Freeman, signaling a strategic adaptation to the sport’s increasingly athletic field.
How Much Does Ben Johns Make?
Ben Johns’ earnings reflect both his competitive success and pickleball’s explosive growth.
Tournament Winnings
With over 120 career titles, Johns has accumulated substantial prize money from PPA and other professional circuits. Consistent podium finishes across all formats have made tournament winnings a major income stream.
Sponsorships And Endorsements
A cornerstone of his financial success is his lifetime sponsorship deal with JOOLA, one of the leading equipment brands in pickleball.
Beyond endorsement, Johns collaborates on product development—including his signature paddle, the JOOLA Perseus 16mm.
Additional partnerships with brands such as Vive Health and Yeti further contribute to his annual income.
Business Ventures
John’s has expanded beyond competition through entrepreneurial efforts, including:
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Pickleball Getaways – curated vacation experiences for pickleball players
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Pickleball 360 – an instructional subscription platform
These ventures allow him to monetize his expertise while promoting the sport’s growth.
Investments
Like many modern athletes, Johns has diversified his income through investments in startups, stocks, and cryptocurrency, helping secure long-term financial stability.
The New Era Of Pickleball Earnings
Ben’s financial rise mirrors pickleball’s rapid commercialization.
Just a few years ago, top players earned modest five-figure sums annually. Today, thanks to private equity investments, league expansions, and corporate sponsorships, elite players command seven-figure earnings.
For comparison:
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Ben reportedly earned around $250,000 in 2021.
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Today, his annual income approaches 10 times that amount.
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Fellow star Anna Leigh Waters is projected to surpass $3 million annually, illustrating how marketability and youth are further boosting payouts.
Pickleball is no longer niche, it’s a rapidly professionalizing sport with growing media and financial backing.
The Gear Behind Ben Johns’ Success
In 2023, Ben Johns signed a lifetime deal with JOOLA, marking one of the most significant endorsement agreements in pickleball history.
His signature paddle, the JOOLA Perseus 16mm, is engineered for elite-level performance and includes:
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16mm core thickness for controlled power
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Textured carbon surface for enhanced spin
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Lightweight construction for quick reactions
The paddle has become one of the best-selling models in competitive pickleball, reflecting both performance credibility and brand influence.
Ben Johns’ Legacy In Pickleball
With over 120 titles, multiple Triple Crowns, and groundbreaking sponsorship deals, Ben Johns has established himself as the defining player of his era.
His dominance has elevated expectations for athleticism, professionalism, and marketability within the sport.
Beyond wins and earnings, his legacy lies in helping legitimize pickleball as a viable professional career path.
As the sport continues to expand globally, Ben Johns remains one of its most influential ambassadors.
FAQ
Who sponsors Ben Johns?
His primary sponsor is JOOLA, with whom he signed a lifetime deal. He also partners with other lifestyle and performance brands.
Is Ben Johns still ranked No. 1?
Ben Johns has consistently held the No. 1 ranking across multiple formats, though rankings may fluctuate as competition intensifies.