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<\/p>\nIn a historic and deeply personal gesture, pickleball icon Ben Johns has announced the donation of his entire \\$17.3 million fortune to the construction of a state-of-the-art pickleball stadium, aimed at becoming the sport’s new global epicenter.<\/p>\n
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The project, dubbed \u201cThe Court of Champions,\u201d is set to break ground later this year in Naples, Florida\u2014already considered a major hub for the sport. The stadium will feature 30 professional-grade courts, seating for 10,000 fans, training facilities, a pickleball hall of fame, and a youth development center.<\/p>\n
Johns, widely regarded as the greatest pickleball player of all time, made the announcement during a press conference held on-site at the future location of the complex. With tears in his eyes and his trademark paddle in hand, the 26-year-old athlete spoke candidly about what motivated him to make the unprecedented gift.<\/p>\n
\u201cPickleball has given me everything\u2014purpose, community, and the chance to chase greatness,\u201d Johns said to a packed crowd of media, fans, and fellow players. \u201cThis game lives in my blood. Wherever I go, the pride of pickleball goes with me. That\u2019s why I\u2019m giving it all back.\u201d<\/p>\n
Over his decorated career, Johns amassed an unparalleled record, holding the No. 1 spot in men\u2019s singles, doubles, and mixed doubles for multiple years. But while his dominance on the court drew global attention, it\u2019s his off-court contribution that now defines his legacy.<\/p>\n
The \\$17.3 million donation\u2014his entire career earnings, endorsement deals, and investments\u2014will fully fund the first phase of the stadium. Johns worked closely with city officials, engineers, and architects over the past year to bring the ambitious project to life.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis isn’t just about building a venue,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s about building the future of pickleball. A place where kids can dream, pros can shine, and fans can unite.\u201d<\/p>\n
The facility is expected to host major tournaments including the U.S. Open Pickleball Championships and serve as a training ground for Olympic hopefuls if the sport is accepted into future Games. Johns emphasized his desire to see the stadium as \u201ca home for everyone\u2014from weekend warriors to the next generation of world champions.\u201d<\/p>\n
Reactions from the pickleball community have been overwhelmingly positive.<\/p>\n
\u201cBen has always been a pioneer in this sport, but this takes it to another level,\u201d said Anna Leigh Waters, fellow pro and longtime doubles partner. \u201cHe\u2019s not just building a stadium\u2014he\u2019s building a legacy.\u201d<\/p>\n
USA Pickleball, the sport\u2019s governing body, issued a statement calling the donation \u201cthe single greatest act of philanthropy in pickleball history.\u201d<\/p>\n
Johns also revealed that he will not be retiring, contrary to speculation. Instead, he plans to continue competing while mentoring young athletes through programs tied to the new complex.<\/p>\n
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\u201cPeople ask if this means I\u2019m stepping away. Not a chance,\u201d Johns said with a smile. \u201cI\u2019ll be here on day one when the courts open\u2014and I\u2019ll be on the other side of the net, pushing the next generation to be even better.\u201d<\/p>\n
The \u201cCourt of Champions\u201d is slated for completion in early 2027. A bronze statue of Johns\u2014paddle raised in victory\u2014is already planned for the stadium\u2019s entrance, but he insists he doesn\u2019t want the focus on him.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is for the game,\u201d he said. \u201cFor every person who\u2019s ever picked up a paddle. My name\u2019s on the check, but this is everyone\u2019s court.\u201d<\/p>\n
If there were ever doubts about the future of pickleball, Ben Johns has just answered them\u2014with \\$17.3 million worth of believe<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
In a historic and deeply personal gesture, pickleball icon Ben Johns has announced the donation of his entire \\$17.3 million fortune to the construction of a state-of-the-art pickleball stadium, aimed at becoming the sport’s new global epicenter. The project, dubbed \u201cThe Court of Champions,\u201d is set to break ground later this year in Naples, Florida\u2014already […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":30709,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-30708","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog"],"yoast_head":"\n