Matt Wright is a dominant force in professional pickleball, known for his precision, adaptability, and competitive spirit on the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour. A former collegiate tennis star turned corporate attorney, Wright has seamlessly transitioned his athletic prowess into pickleball, earning a reputation as one of the sport’s top players. This article delves into his career, personal life, social media presence, financial success, and more, providing the latest insights into why Matt Wright remains a pickleball icon.
Quick Facts About Matt Wright
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Matt Wright |
| Hometown | Wichita, Kansas |
| Turned Pro | 2016 |
| Paddle | Onix Evoke Premier |
| Plays | Right-handed |
| Current Team | Milwaukee Mashers (Major League Pickleball) |
| Net Worth | $5.4 million (as of 2022) |
Matt Wright’s Pickleball Career
Matt Wright’s journey to pickleball stardom began with a standout tennis career at the University of Michigan, where he played #1 in both singles and doubles for the Wolverines. After earning a law degree from the University of Kansas, he discovered pickleball in 2015 when a local country club member suggested he try the sport. By 2016, Wright turned professional, quickly rising through the ranks with his tennis-honed skills. As of May 2025, he has competed in 48 professional tournaments, participating in 316 career matches. His accolades include:
- 7 US Open Championships: Gold medals across multiple divisions, showcasing his versatility.
- 4 USA National Championships: Titles in men’s and mixed doubles, cementing his elite status.
- 2 Tournament of Champions Titles: Victories in 2017 and 2018 highlight his consistency.
- Ranked #2 Globally: In 2022, Wright held the #2 spot in both men’s and mixed doubles.
Wright’s playing style, defined by a powerful one-handed backhand and quick reflexes, allows him to adapt to various partners and opponents. His long-standing partnership with Lucy Kovalova in mixed doubles has been particularly successful, earning them a #1 ranking in 2021. In 2023, he reunited with Ben Johns for the Kansas City Open men’s doubles final, dropping just one game. Currently, he plays for the Milwaukee Mashers in Major League Pickleball (MLP), with recent semi-final appearances, such as at the 2024 Salt Lake PPA event.
Matt Wright’s Playing Style and Partnerships
Wright’s tennis background gives him an edge in executing precise shots under pressure, making him a formidable presence on the court. His powerful backhand and ability to read opponents make him a versatile player in both men’s and mixed doubles. Key partnerships include:
- Lucy Kovalova (Mixed Doubles): Based in Wichita, their nine-year partnership and proximity allow for consistent practice, leading to numerous titles, including a 2021 win over Ben Johns and Simone Jardim.
- Ben Johns (Men’s Doubles): Their 2023 reunion at the Kansas City Open showcased their seamless chemistry, reaching the final with ease.
- Riley Newman (Men’s Doubles): Until their 2023 split, they medaled in all 27 events together, demonstrating Wright’s adaptability.
Matt Wright’s Wife
Matt Wright is married to Kaia Wright, whom he met in 2014 on Rottnest Island, Australia. They got engaged on November 6, 2016, and married on November 10, 2017, at the Empire Spa Retreat in Yallingup, Australia. Kaia, a model and wildlife enthusiast, supports Matt’s career and co-manages their adventure tourism businesses, including Tiwi Island Retreat and Top End Safari Camp. The couple has a son, Banjo Elliott Wright, who shares their love for adventure. Despite misconceptions, Wright’s mixed doubles partner, Lucy Kovalova, is a professional collaborator, not his spouse, though they run a pickleball and tennis coaching academy together in Wichita.
Matt Wright’s Social Media Accounts
Matt Wright engages fans through an active Twitter (now X) presence, boasting over 8,000 followers. He shares updates on matches, training, and pickleball insights, often retweeting posts from the pickleball community. While he lacks personal Instagram or Facebook accounts, his sponsor, Onix Pickleball, promotes his tournaments on their platforms. Follow him at:
- Twitter: @MattWright (tournament updates, training tips)
- Onix Pickleball Instagram: @onixpickleball (event recaps, gear promotions)
- Onix Pickleball Facebook: Onix Pickleball (schedules, player highlights)
Love is in the air 💕 We can't get enough of this pickleball love story from @LucyKovalova about her and Matt Wright. We are proud to have these two on Team ONIX!
— Onix Pickleball (@OnixPickleball) February 14, 2024
Read about their undeniable Court Connection from @PickleballCentr here: https://t.co/KbKhBuGtA7 pic.twitter.com/KGF8m4cZqj
Matt Wright’s Net Worth
As of 2022, Matt Wright’s net worth is reported at $5.4 million, derived from his dual careers as a professional pickleball player and corporate attorney at Koch Industries in Wichita, Kansas. His pickleball earnings include over $93,000 in tournament prize money, supplemented by sponsorships from Onix Pickleball and Original Penguin, as well as sales from the Evoke Premier paddle he co-designed. Professional pickleball players typically earn $50,000–$200,000 annually, and Wright’s legal career significantly boosts his wealth.
Matt Wright Pickleball Height
Matt Wright stands at approximately 6 feet tall, a height that gives him a competitive advantage on the pickleball court. His stature allows for a strong reach and powerful serves, complementing his tennis-honed agility and reflexes. This physical attribute, combined with his strategic gameplay, makes him a formidable opponent in both singles and doubles formats.
Matt Wright Pickleball Ranking
As of May 2025, Matt Wright maintains a top-tier ranking in professional pickleball. He is currently ranked among the top 5 globally in both men’s and mixed doubles on the PPA Tour, having held the #2 position in both categories in 2022. His consistent performance in high-stakes tournaments, such as the 2024 Salt Lake PPA event where he reached the semi-finals, and his contributions to the Milwaukee Mashers in MLP, underscore his elite status. Wright’s ranking reflects his ability to compete against top players like Ben Johns and Collin Johns while adapting to various partners and formats.
Matt Wright Pickleball Paddle
Matt Wright plays with the Onix Evoke Premier paddle, which he co-designed with his mixed doubles partner, Lucy Kovalova, as a Team Onix athlete. The paddle is known for its blend of power and control, featuring a polymer core and a composite face that enhances spin and precision. Key specifications include:
- Weight: 8.4 oz (midweight)
- Core: Polymer for a balance of power and touch
- Surface: Composite for enhanced spin
- Handle Length: 5 inches, ideal for two-handed backhands
The Evoke Premier is tailored for players like Wright who rely on a powerful yet controlled playing style, making it a popular choice among competitive players. His involvement in its design reflects his commitment to advancing pickleball equipment.
Contributions to Pickleball
Wright is committed to growing pickleball’s popularity. As a Team Onix athlete, he co-designed the Evoke Premier paddle, enhancing equipment accessibility. He conducts coaching clinics with Kovalova, inspiring new players, and promotes the sport as an Original Penguin brand ambassador through stylish, performance-driven apparel. His involvement in community initiatives and visibility in major tournaments continue to elevate pickleball’s profile.
Off the Court
Beyond pickleball, Wright balances a demanding career as a corporate attorney, often competing in tournaments on weekends. His interests include college sports, concerts, road trips, and spending time with his dog, Dink. His partnership with Kovalova extends off the court, as they run a coaching academy together, blending humor and professionalism to engage the Wichita pickleball community.
Why Matt Wright Stands Out
Matt Wright’s journey from a University of Michigan tennis star to a pickleball icon is a testament to his adaptability and passion. His competitive achievements, innovative contributions to equipment, and dedication to growing the sport make him a role model. With a strong presence in top-tier tournaments and a balanced life as an attorney and family man, the “Matt Wright Pickleball” legacy continues to inspire. For the latest updates, follow his Twitter or Onix Pickleball’s social media for tournament recaps and event schedules.
