From the Professional Pickleball Federation (which started in 2017 and is now defunct) to two pro tours currently – the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) and the Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP) – professional pickleball has come a long way in the past decade. However, it is still difficult to make a living off of professional pickleball tournaments alone. Most pro pickleball players must supplement tour winnings with sponsorships, clinics, lessons, pro residencies at clubs, and/or other careers. Pro pickleball player, Rob Nunnery, wrote an interesting piece in the Pickleball Forum that sparked a conversation regarding the high expenses (including airfare, hotel, car, treatment, food, etc.) of being a pro pickleball player. This was followed up by a new GoFundMe page to payout pro pickleball players that come in 5th through 8th place at pro pickleball tournaments. Will this change in the short-term with the rise of two pro pickleball tours and the accelerated growth of pickleball lately? Will a touring pickleball professional become a career for more players? Is funding the professional pickleball players the best avenue to attract new players and grow the sport overall? What are your thoughts?