Andrew Pace
Badminton is a highly competitive and lucrative sport for many athletes worldwide. Earnings for professional badminton players vary significantly depending on their ranking, performance, marketability, and ability to secure opportunities beyond tournament winnings. While it is difficult to find information on the exact yearly earnings of a professional badminton player, we can look at their income streams and expenses to estimate their earnings. This article will explore the different ways badminton players make money, their expenses, and how these factors contribute to their overall earnings.
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What You'll Learn
Prize money earnings
Players within the Top 32 but outside the Top 10 earn an average prize money of $25,275 annually. The Top 10 players, considered the elite of the sport, have the highest earnings potential. Prize money alone can reach six to seven figures for these top players, with some stars like Viktor Axelsen and P.V. Sindhu consistently earning over $5 million per year through prize money, sponsorships, and club deals.
It is worth noting that badminton is not as lucrative as some other sports, and players often need to be in the top rankings to earn substantial prize money. The prestige and level of the tournament also impact the prize money on offer, with major tournaments like the All England Open, BWF World Championships, and Olympic Games offering significant winnings. Additionally, players may have to give a percentage of their prize money back to their association in some Asian countries.
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Sponsorships and endorsements
For players ranked between 51st and 100th in the world, sponsorships can contribute anywhere from $0 to $10,000 annually. This range is influenced by factors such as the player's country of origin, negotiation skills, connections to successful businesses, and overall marketability. Players in this ranking bracket often rely on part-time jobs and side hustles to supplement their income, as sponsorships can be challenging to acquire.
As players climb the rankings, their earning potential from sponsorships and endorsements increases. Those ranked between 33rd and 50th may receive up to $10,000 per year in sponsorships, in addition to their prize money and other income streams. Reaching the top 32 is a significant milestone, as it guarantees entry into major tournaments, further enhancing their earning potential.
The top 10 players in the world enjoy the highest earnings, with sponsorship and endorsement deals contributing significantly to their income. Players in this elite group can expect six-figure sums, and in some cases, their earnings may even reach seven figures. Their popularity and success attract lucrative sponsorship opportunities, and they are in high demand for exhibition matches, charity events, and promotional appearances.
Building a strong personal brand is essential for badminton players seeking to maximise their earning potential from sponsorships and endorsements. Engaging with fans through social media, creating content, and sharing insights into their lives can attract sponsorship opportunities and increase their marketability. Collaborations with companies to develop branded merchandise, such as apparel, equipment, and accessories, can also generate additional revenue streams.
While badminton may not have the same level of financial rewards as other sports, it is gaining popularity, and the prize money and sponsorship opportunities are increasing. Top players like Viktor Axelsen, P.V. Sindhu, and Lee Chong Wei have demonstrated that it is possible to earn substantial incomes through sponsorships, endorsements, and club deals, in addition to their tournament winnings.
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Player ranking and performance
Players ranked between 33 and 50 experience a slight increase in average prize money, earning approximately $8,159 per year. However, financial instability persists at this level, as highlighted by Greg Mairs and Jenny Moore's earnings of only $3,000 each in prize money in 2022. Supplemental income from various sources can boost their total yearly earnings to somewhere between $12,900 and $43,800.
The earnings improve as we move up the rankings, with players in the top 32 but outside the top 10 earning an average of $25,275 in prize money annually. Finally, the top 10 players, considered the elite, have the highest earning potential. Their prize money alone can reach six or seven figures, and they can also attract substantial income through sponsorships and club deals. For example, top players like Viktor Axelsen and P.V. Sindhu consistently earn over $5 million per year through a combination of prize money, endorsements, and club agreements.
It is worth noting that players' expenses, such as travel, accommodation, and food, are typically covered by their clubs. However, basic living expenses like rent and food, as well as taxes, can significantly impact their overall earnings. Additionally, in some Asian countries, players are required to give a portion of their prize money back to their associations.
While badminton may not be as lucrative as other sports, it has gained popularity and offers substantial earning opportunities for talented players. The earnings in badminton are closely tied to the player's ranking, performance, marketability, and ability to secure endorsements and sponsorships beyond tournament winnings.
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Club money
For players ranked #51–100, clubs typically pay \$300–\$500 per match, which can amount to \$3,600–\$6,000 extra per year, assuming a player competes in 12 matches, which is the typical number for a league player. However, it is important to note that some players in this ranking bracket may not play as many club matches, so their rate per match may be higher, ranging from \$600 to \$2,000 per match.
Moving up the rankings, players in the #33–50 bracket can expect higher earnings from club matches. While specific figures for this ranking range are not provided, it is mentioned that players within the Top 32 but outside the Top 10 earn an average of \$25,275 in prize money annually. With club money being one of the additional income streams, it is reasonable to assume that a significant portion of this annual income could come from representing clubs.
The earning potential from club deals increases even further for players in the Top 10, who are considered the best of the best in the sport. These top-ranked players can command six to seven figures in earnings from club deals, sponsorships, and prize money combined. For example, P.V. Sindhu consistently earns over \$5 million annually through these various income streams.
While club money can provide a significant source of income for professional badminton players, it is worth noting that earnings can vary greatly depending on a player's ranking, performance, marketability, and ability to secure lucrative opportunities beyond tournament winnings. Additionally, players in the lower ranking brackets may need to supplement their income with part-time jobs or side hustles to make a comfortable living.
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Player expenses
At the lower levels of the sport, players may have to fund their own travel, accommodation, and food costs. These expenses can quickly add up, especially when participating in international tournaments. Some players may also have to pay for equipment, coaching, and medical expenses. For example, Greg and Jenny of Badminton Insight, who represented England, had expenses of around $21,000 in 2022, which was separate from their prize money.
Players outside the top 50 in the world may receive limited funding from their national associations, perhaps only covering a few tournaments per year. As players climb the rankings, they are more likely to receive increased funding and even a yearly salary, which can result in higher profits overall. The country or federation that a player represents can also significantly impact their financial support. Federations in wealthier countries like Indonesia or China may provide more comprehensive financial support, including base salaries or stipends, and fully subsidized living costs.
In addition to these expenses, players also need to consider their basic living costs, such as rent and food, which can constitute a significant portion of their expenses. Taxes are another important consideration, and in some Asian countries, players may be required to give a percentage of their prize money back to their association.
While badminton can be lucrative for top-ranked players, the financial burden can be significant for those lower down the rankings or from less endowed federations. These players may need to balance their sporting careers with part-time jobs to make ends meet, which can impact their training and performance.
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Frequently asked questions
Earnings for professional badminton players vary depending on their ranking, performance, marketability, and ability to secure opportunities beyond tournament winnings. Players ranked #51-100 typically earn around $2,053 in prize money annually. This bracket often requires players to supplement their income through part-time jobs, side hustles, and league contracts, which can amount to an additional $5,600 to $28,000 per year. Players in the top 10 can make six to seven figures annually through prize money, sponsorships, and club deals.
There are four main sources of income for professional badminton players: prize money from tournaments, club money from representing clubs in national leagues, sponsorships and endorsements from companies, and appearance fees for exhibition matches, charity events, and promotional appearances.
Badminton does not provide as much money for as many players as other sports. It is not one of the top 10 highest-earning sports in the world. The prize money in badminton is also much lower than in sports like tennis. For example, reaching the final 32 in tennis's Wimbledon tournament earns $147,600, while the top 32 in badminton's All England Open earn only $1,200.
