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Major League Pickleball and the PPA recently unveiled significant changes to pro player compensation, shifting from guaranteed contracts to incentive-based payment. The core message is clear: adapt or be left behind. This blog post will dive into what these changes mean for pro pickleball, identifying the winners and the losers in this new setup.
To understand the current landscape, we must revisit 2023's "Tour Wars." Major League Pickleball and the PPA were negotiating a merger that appeared to be stalling. In response, MLP made aggressive moves, signing players like me, Tyson McGuffin, Anna Bright, and others, sparking a bidding war. During this time, player salaries surged dramatically, with some seeing earnings skyrocket from $100,000 to anywhere between $250,000 to $500,000, all guaranteed. But guaranteed contracts, while effective for signing players, aren't sustainable long-term.
By the end of 2023, the leagues merged to form the UPA, which now governs both MLP and PPA, with a combined payroll likely nearing $30 million annually. Though players were paid in full and on time, the merger signaled changes ahead.
The truth is blunt: players were vastly overpaid relative to the current state of professional pickleball. While ticket sales are growing impressively, the revenue doesn't yet cover costs. The reduction in guaranteed money and a shift towards an incentive-based system was inevitable.
The proposed model combines guarantees and prize money. For 2025, payments remain unchanged. However, a player's guaranteed salary for 2026 is split over the subsequent three years. For instance, if a player was set to earn $150,000 in 2026, they'd receive $50,000 annually from 2026 to 2028, with opportunities to earn more through prize money at PPA and MLP events.
Here's the breakdown: $11,000,000 in guaranteed money, $15,000,000 in PPA/MLP prize money, and $5,000,000 in international prize money annually. Yet, these figures are somewhat deceptive; players surpassing their minimum guarantee won't receive the minimum. Thus, total payouts are decreasing—necessary for league solvency.
Contracts remain exclusive, necessitating participation in a minimum of 25 events annually, which is too many, potentially leading to burnout. Various contract tiers offer different prize money levels; Gold Contracts are for currently contracted players signing within 45 days, while Standard and Futures contracts cater to other pros.
I question the need for 25 events and argue for a reduction. Diverse matchups are exciting, and fewer events could enhance competitiveness. Furthermore, disparate prize money grids may not serve long-term league interests. A uniform system by 2029 would be ideal. Current payout structures prioritize top finishers excessively; redistributing some earnings to lower rounds could improve depth.
In this shift, up-and-coming players and those unable to justify their previous guarantees are at a disadvantage. However, top Tour Wars players, the league, and fans stand to benefit. The league could trim $5,000,000 in player costs, and fans will enjoy watching players earn based on performance.
Thank you for reading, and stay engaged with the thrilling developments in professional pickleball!
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