James Ignatowich the Latest Pro to Reveal His Lucrative Pickleball-Related Income

James Ignatowich, currently ranked 22nd in men’s doubles and third in men's mixed doubles this year on the PPA Tour, isn't hurting these days.

The 24-year-old revealed to Nicole Talisse on Instagram that between his salary and coaching gigs, he'll be pulling in over $1 million in pickleball-related income in 2024.

"My income this year is four times what it was last year. I'm going to make over $1 million this year. There are probably 10 pickleball players now who could say that."

Back in May, Ben Johns - the game's top-ranked player on the men's side - told CNBC that his income this year will come in around $2.5 million, a 10x jump from just 2018.

For perspective, Johns told CNBC back in 2021 that he brought in about $250,000 through pickleball and just $50,000 in 2018, before the pandemic provided rocket fuel for the sport's growth.

"The money is exploding and it's such a good sign for the game," Ignatowich said. "It definitely shows that pickleball is here to stay."

Ignatowich, who played two years of tennis at Vanderbilt, is also a member of the D.C. Pickleball Team. He was selected eighth overall in April's Major League Pickleball Premier Level draft.

James is also a Selkirk-sponsored athlete, which surely helps his overall annual income. He plays with a Selkirk VANGUARD Power Air - Invikta paddle and also wears Selkirk's clothes and hats in competition.