Ben Johns' Net Worth: How the #1 Pickleball Player Built His Empire

Let’s be real—if you know pickleball, you know Ben Johns. He’s not just the best in the game; he’s the guy redefining what it means to be a professional athlete in this sport. With an estimated net worth of $2 to $4 million and earnings that hit $2.5 million a year (a little under Anna Leigh Waters' net worth), Ben has taken pickleball from backyard courts to the big leagues. And let’s face it: we’re all a little obsessed.

At 11 PICKLES, we live and breathe pickleball, and Ben Johns is the kind of player who gets us excited to hit the court. Whether it’s his insane footwork, his jaw-dropping spin shots, or the way he absolutely owns every tournament he enters, Ben is the GOAT of this fast-growing sport. And his success isn’t just good for him—it’s proof that pickleball is on a meteoric rise.

Why do we care so much about Ben Johns? Because his story isn’t just about stacking titles and prize money (though he’s got plenty of both). It’s about leading the charge in a sport that’s breaking barriers, building community, and creating opportunities. Ben is the face of pickleball’s future, and we’re here for every moment of it.

In this article, we’ll dive into:

• How Ben became the most decorated player in pickleball history.
• A breakdown of his $2.5 million annual salary and where all that cash comes from.
• The business ventures and lifetime sponsorships (hello, JOOLA) that are making him a pickleball icon.
• Why his success is changing the game—not just for him, but for everyone who loves pickleball.

Let’s get into it.

How Ben Johns Became Pickleball’s Greatest Player

Ben Johns’ journey into pickleball is as epic as his current dominance. Before he was breaking records and racking up titles, he was just a kid with a ping-pong paddle and an eye for strategy. Growing up in Maryland, Ben excelled in everything from table tennis to tennis, developing the hand-eye coordination and tactical mindset that would one day make him unstoppable on the pickleball court.

But his real breakthrough came in 2016, when his older brother, Collin Johns, introduced him to the sport. What started as a casual game quickly turned into a full-blown obsession. By 2017, Ben was competing in professional tournaments, and it didn’t take long for him to rise to the top. His mix of precision, power, and pure athleticism set him apart, and by 2020, he was ranked the No. 1 player in the world.

Today, Ben Johns dominates singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, and his rivalry with the sport’s best players has become the stuff of legend.

Ben Johns' Triple Crowns and Unstoppable PPA Tour Success

Ben Johns' dominance in the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) tournaments is nothing short of legendary. With 21 Triple Crowns to his name—a feat achieved by winning gold in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles at the same event—he's set a benchmark that many aspire to but few attain.

In 2024, Ben kicked off the PPA season with remarkable performances, clinching titles at the Desert Ridge Open and the Orlando Cup. His strategic prowess and physical agility kept him ahead of the competition, solidifying his status as the top player in the sport.

A significant chapter in Ben's career has been his partnership with his brother, Collin Johns. Together, they formed the most formidable duo in men's doubles, amassing 35 PPA titles over four years. Their chemistry on the court was unparalleled, making them the team to beat. However, as of January 2025, the brothers announced their decision to part ways professionally, marking the end of an era.

Their final tournament together was the Zimmer Biomet Masters, held in January 2025. In a fitting farewell, the Johns brothers clinched the men's doubles title, defeating Federico Staksrud and Hayden Patriquin in straight games with scores of 11-5, 12-10, and 11-3. This victory not only added another accolade to their impressive record but also served as a testament to their enduring synergy on the court.

As Ben transitions into this new phase of his career, he has announced plans to partner with players like Gabe Tardio, Hayden Patriquin, and Max Freeman for select tournaments in 2025. This strategic move aims to bring fresh dynamics to his game as more tennis players and players with strong drives are coming to pickleball.

How Much Does Ben Johns Make? A Closer Look at His Earnings

Ben is crushing it in his bank account too. His financial success reflects his unmatched skill and the booming popularity of pickleball.

Breaking Down Ben Johns’ Net Worth

Ben’s net worth places him among the wealthiest players in pickleball. Here’s how he’s building his fortune:

• Tournament Winnings: With over 120 career titles and countless podium finishes, Ben has earned a significant portion of his wealth from prize money. His consistent victories in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles tournaments have made him a staple at the top of PPA leaderboards.
• Sponsorships and Endorsements: Ben’s partnership with JOOLA is a cornerstone of his earnings. The lifetime contract doesn’t just involve using their gear—it puts Ben in the driver’s seat for designing innovative paddles like the JOOLA Perseus 16mm, which is tailored for power and precision. Other sponsorships with brands like Vive Health and Yeti Coolers have also contributed to his income.
• Business Ventures: Ben isn’t just a player; he’s a businessman. He co-founded Pickleball Getaways, an all-inclusive vacation experience for pickleball enthusiasts, and Pickleball 360, a subscription-based instructional platform. These ventures expand his influence beyond the court, bringing in revenue while growing the sport.
• Investments: Johns has diversified his income with investments in stocks, startups, and even cryptocurrency. It’s a strategic move that ensures his wealth grows off the court too.

A New Era of Pickleball Earnings

Ben’s financial trajectory is part of a larger story about pickleball’s rise. Just a few years ago, players were earning a fraction of what they make today. Now, with private equity investments and league mergers injecting cash into the sport, top players like Ben can command salaries and sponsorship deals that rival those in more established sports.

For context:

• Anna Leigh Waters is projected to earn over $3 million in 2024, edging out Ben by leveraging her youth and marketability.
• Compared to other emerging sports, pickleball’s payouts are skyrocketing. In 2021, Ben’s annual earnings were just $250,000—but today, he’s making 10x that amount.

The Gear That Powers Ben Johns’ Dominance

If you’ve ever watched Ben Johns play, you know his precision and power aren’t just about skill—they’re also about the tools he uses. From his signature paddle to the brands that back him, Ben has set the gold standard for pickleball gear.

Ben’s Partnership with JOOLA

In 2023, Ben signed a lifetime contract with JOOLA, a global leader in table tennis and pickleball equipment. This partnership wasn’t just about slapping his name on a paddle; Ben played a hands-on role in designing the JOOLA Perseus 16mm, his signature paddle that combines power, control, and spin.

The Perseus series is tailored for elite players, offering:

• 16mm Core Thickness: For maximum power without sacrificing precision.
• Textured Surface: To generate spin and keep opponents on their toes.
• Lightweight Design: To support Ben’s quick footwork and agile gameplay.

It’s no surprise that this paddle has become a bestseller, with fans eager to replicate even a fraction of Ben’s magic on the court.

Ben Johns’ Net Worth and Legacy in Pickleball

As the face of pickleball, Ben Johns is doing more than just dominating the sport—he’s shaping its future. With over 120 titles, game-changing sponsorships like his lifetime deal with JOOLA, and a financial trajectory that mirrors pickleball’s explosive growth, Ben’s influence extends far beyond the court.

One of Ben’s most unforgettable moments came during his fiery match against Quang Duong, where he delivered a warning shot that left fans buzzing. At 11 PICKLES, we covered every detail of this iconic showdown in Ben Johns Warning Shot Quang Duong.

At 11 PICKLES, we share Ben’s vision for the future of pickleball. As a community-driven platform that celebrates the sport’s top players and rising stars, we’re committed to growing the game and connecting players of all skill levels. From curated gear to the stories behind the sport’s biggest moments, we’re here to fuel your passion for pickleball.

Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first paddle or a seasoned player chasing your next win, the 11 PICKLES shop has everything you need to take your game to the next level. Explore our collection of curated gear, stylish pickleball apparel, and must-have accessories to play your best and look great doing it.

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