- Anna Leigh Waters, 18, is the world’s No. 1 women’s pickleball player, earning a multi-million dollar salary.
- Her on-court dominance is matched by a massive business portfolio, with brand deals including Delta, DoorDash, and Ulta Beauty.
- Dubbed the “Tiger Woods of pickleball,” her agent confirms her off-court earnings are in the mid-seven-figures.
- Waters’ United Pickleball Association (UPA) salary exceeds $2 million annually, tying her as the highest-paid player in the sport.
The Unstoppable Rise of a Pickleball Prodigy
At just 18 years old, Anna Leigh Waters is not just playing pickleball—she’s dominating it. A mainstay atop the PPA Tour rankings, Waters has become the face of America’s fastest-growing sport, building a business empire that rivals her incredible on-court achievements. With annual earnings in the seven figures, she is proving that pickleball is big business.
Waters’ journey began unexpectedly. In 2017, a 10-year-old Waters and her family evacuated their Florida home ahead of Hurricane Irma. To pass the time at her grandparents’ house in Pennsylvania, her grandfather suggested pickleball. Initially skeptical, she was instantly hooked. Within a year, she was competing in professional tournaments alongside her mother, Leigh, and by age 14, she had already secured the No. 1 ranking.
Building a Business and a Brand
Today, Waters is often called the “GOAT” of pickleball, and her financial success reflects that status. Her agent, Ryan Harwood, compares her to a generational talent like Serena Williams or Tiger Woods. “She has this trifecta of age, dominance and marketability on her side,” Harwood stated.
Her United Pickleball Association (UPA) contract alone pays her over $2 million annually, making her the highest-paid player alongside men’s No. 1 Ben Johns. Off the court, her earnings are even more staggering, estimated to be in the mid-seven-figures.
A Portfolio of Elite Partnerships
Represented by VaynerSports, Waters has curated a powerful portfolio of brand partnerships with major companies, including Delta, DoorDash, RXBar, and Ulta Beauty. These deals are a testament to her marketability and broad appeal.
“What Anna Leigh has been able to accomplish in her given sport… is so intriguing at such a young age,” said Kelly Mahoney, CMO of Ulta Beauty. Her partnerships are selective, focusing on brands she genuinely uses and believes in, a strategy that resonates with her growing audience.
@anna.leigh.waters
The Future of a Phenom
With her most lucrative apparel (Fila) and paddle (Paddletek) deals set to expire this year, Waters is poised for even bigger opportunities. UPA CEO Connor Pardoe emphasizes her importance, noting that stars like Waters are essential for the league’s rapid growth. Sponsors are drawn to her, with companies like DoorDash specifically requesting her for advertisements.
Beyond the court and sponsorships, Waters is expanding her personal brand. She plans to launch a YouTube channel dedicated to her passion for cooking and is committed to growing the sport globally, with potential international appearances in 2026. “It helps me and my brand to grow, but it also helps the sport grow,” she said. For Anna Leigh Waters, the game is just beginning.
Image Referance: https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2025/11/03/pickleball-phenom-anna-leigh-waters-is-big-business-on-and-off-the-court/