**”I’m Leaving”: Ben Johns Stuns Pickleball World With Shocking Departure Announcement**
In a move that has rocked the pickleball community to its core, world No. 1 Ben Johns announced today that he will be stepping away from his professional pickleball team, sending shockwaves through fans and fellow athletes alike. The 25-year-old superstar shared the news via a heartfelt video posted to his official social media channels early Friday morning, sparking an outpouring of emotion from his global fan base.
### “A Chapter Closes”
In the video, simply titled *“I’m Leaving”*, Johns appeared composed but reflective as he addressed his followers directly.
> “This isn’t a decision I made lightly,” he said. “Pickleball has given me so much—friends, family, unforgettable moments, and the most incredible fans in the world. But after a lot of thought, I’ve decided to step away from my current team and take some time to refocus.”
While Johns made it clear that he is not retiring from the sport entirely, his departure from his current team—Team JOOLA—marks the end of a dominant era. He did not specify whether he plans to join another team or focus on independent play.
### Fans in Tears, Teammates in Shock
Fans flooded social media with emotional reactions. Hashtags like **#ThankYouBen** and **#PickleballLegend** trended across platforms within hours of the announcement. Many shared stories of how Johns had inspired them to pick up a paddle or chase their own athletic dreams.
> “I can’t stop crying,” wrote one Instagram user. “Ben Johns is the reason I started playing. This feels like the end of an era.”
His teammates also expressed surprise and sadness. Anna Leigh Waters, his frequent mixed doubles partner, shared a photo of the two of them celebrating a victory, captioned: *“Hard to imagine tournaments without you by my side. You’re a legend and a brother—whatever’s next, I know you’ll crush it.”*
### The End of a Dominant Run
Ben Johns has long been considered the face of modern pickleball. Known for his analytical precision, fierce serves, and calm under pressure, he has held the world No. 1 ranking in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. His partnership with JOOLA, which began in 2022, brought international attention to the sport and set new standards for sponsorship and player branding.
His list of accolades includes over 100 gold medals, numerous Major League Pickleball (MLP) titles, and groundbreaking partnerships that helped elevate pickleball from a backyard pastime to a mainstream sport.
### What’s Next for Ben?
While Johns remained vague about the specifics of his next move, he hinted at exploring other ventures.
> “I’ve got a few exciting things in the works—some inside the court, some outside. But this is also a personal journey. I want to make sure whatever I do next, I’m all-in and aligned with my values.”
Some speculate he may be transitioning into business or coaching, areas where he’s already made inroads with training programs and equipment lines. Others wonder if this could be a strategic pause before launching his own professional team.
### The Future of Pro Pickleball Without Its Icon
Johns’ exit leaves a noticeable gap in the professional scene. Analysts expect it will reshape team dynamics and open the door for rising stars to take center stage.
> “Losing Ben changes everything,” said Steve Dawson, MLP commentator and former pro. “He’s not just a player; he’s a symbol of the sport’s growth. This will be a major reset moment for professional pickleball.”
Major tournaments like the PPA Tour and MLP may need to reconsider formats and marketing strategies, especially given how much they’ve leaned on Johns’ star power.
### Hope for a Return?
Despite the heartbreak among fans, there remains hope that this is not goodbye forever.
> “I’m not done with pickleball,” Johns reassured viewers. “This is just a pause. I’ll be back in one way or another. I love this game too much to walk away for good.”
Whether this means a comeback as a player, coach, or league executive remains to be seen. But for now, fans are left to grapple with the absence of a figure many considered irreplaceable.
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**One thing is certain: Ben Johns may be leaving his team, but his legacy in the sport is here to stay.**
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