Reasons why top players are not attending Nationals this year
Historically, one of the largest Pickleball tournaments of the entire year is coming right around the corner, starting 12/6-12/14. This tournament has generated thousands of participants competing against one another and even more spectators and sponsors in attendance. If you were a spectator or sponsor and only had one tournament to go to in a year, this might be the tournament you would want to attend to gain exposure or to watch some of the best in the world compete.
If you have been following along, you have noticed that for this touranment, there are very few Pro Players that are signed up to compete in this years tournament.
As of now, the number of the Open Pro Draws are as follows…
Pro Mens Doubles
10 Registered teams (normally 30-40+ teams)
Pro Mixed Doubles
16 Registered teams (normally 30-40+ teams)
Pro Mens Singles
15 Registered players (normally 30-50)
Pro Women’s Doubles
7 Registered teams (normally 15-30+)
Pro Women’s Singles
6 Registered players (normally 15-20+)
*Take into account, teams/players could be added or taken away from events before the actual tournament starts, however, these numbers will most likely be very close to the final number.
Here are the top 3 reasons that I believe the turnout is so low in the Pro categories this year compared to years previous
Covid Vaccinations - To enter the facility, you must have proof of vaccination even if you are not competing, ie, friends, family, spectators and all players - This is the #1 reason without a doubt. (https://usapickleballnationalchampionships.com/health-and-safety/vaccination-requirement/)
Too Many Tournaments - With the incredible rise and popularity of Pickleball, there are more and more tournaments than ever before. The Pro players have what seems to be an unlimited amount of options to choose from. Many of these Pro players are simply tired from traveling every week and they are needing a break, or trying to recover from injuries. Many Pro players would go to Nationals to gain exposure, and compete against the very best. Now with so many options to choose from, there is top talent at many other tournaments throughout the year, and for some demographics, exposure could be greater at other tournaments.
Cost / Prize Money / Dates - Nationals is held at quite possibly the most beautiful location for a tournament, Indian Wells, CA. With this beautiful location and scenery, comes a price tag. I haven’t looked but I imagine if someone is staying at a hotel, it would be around $200-$300 per night, add a car rental of $60-$80 per day, flights, food, tournament costs, it adds up to be very costly, a high number that many people either don’t have the money for or simply don’t want to spend on this tournament. Sure, players can do it less expensive, but this is the what the average player would spend, or more.
Prize Money - I have tried to find the exact amount they are offering, but I haven’t been able to find that information. Regardless, I am guessing it is a low amount compared to some of the other tournaments that are now available, and I am also assuming they only pay the top 3 places. It is hard for Pro players to justify those expenses when only top 3 places receive a payout.
Dates - Originally this tournament was scheduled for an earlier time in the year, but due to scheduling conflicts, they ended up changing the dates to a later time in the year. Many people were already planning for original date and when they changed the date, many people were not able to make changes in their schedules.
These are my thoughts on why the turnout for the PRO events are and will be low. I could very well be wrong, but don’t believe I am. I hope it is a great showing for those who attend and especially the amateurs. I have attended this tournament many times in the years prior and have absolutely loved every minute of it. If you are serious about Pickleball, I believe this is a must go to tournament if you have not been there before, as the atmosphere is unlike anything else.