Riley Newman is one of the most decorated doubles players in the history of professional pickleball. A former world No. 1 in men’s doubles, he has spent years near the top of the PPA Tour, known for his calm demeanor, long reach, and elite consistency at the net.

Here is a closer look at his background, his rise through the pro ranks, the partnerships that defined his career, and the net worth he has built as one of the sport’s veteran stars.

Early Life and Background

Riley Newman was born on June 3, 1993, which makes him 33 years old as of June 2026. Contrary to a common misconception, he is not from Hawaii. Newman was born and raised on Whidbey Island, Washington, a scenic island just north of Seattle.

Sports were central to his upbringing. Newman was a multi-sport athlete who earned college basketball and tennis scholarships, finishing his collegiate career at Seattle University. That athletic foundation, particularly his tennis background, gave him the footwork and court awareness that translate directly to high-level pickleball.

He came to pickleball relatively late. Newman did not pick up a paddle until the summer of 2017, and the sport clicked almost immediately. Within days of starting, he won a 5.0 mixed doubles tournament alongside his sister, Lindsey Newman, who is also an accomplished athlete and pro pickleball player. The pair earned the nickname “Newman Squared” for their family doubles partnership.

Rise in Pickleball

Newman turned pro in 2018, and his climb was rapid. He quickly established himself as one of the most dominant doubles players on tour, reaching a career-high global ranking of No. 1 in men’s doubles and consistently featuring on Championship Sunday at PPA Tour events.

His most famous partnership was with Matt Wright. The two formed one of the most successful men’s doubles teams of their era, racking up titles together before eventually parting ways and later reuniting. In mixed doubles, Newman has paired with several top players over the years, including Catherine Parenteau, with whom he collected around 15 medals between 2020 and 2022.

More recently, Newman has continued to compete across both disciplines while cycling through several partners. Heading into the back half of the 2025 season, he paired with Vivienne David in mixed doubles, selecting her with a high pick for the PPA Finals. In men’s doubles he has played alongside partners including Matt Wright and younger talents on tour.

As of mid-2026, Newman sits as a veteran presence in the top ranks rather than the undisputed No. 1. Recent PPA Tour figures place him around No. 14 in men’s doubles and roughly No. 16 in mixed doubles, reflecting both the deepening talent pool and a career that now spans many seasons. Listed at 6’2” and right-handed, he relies on reach, anticipation, and control of the net rather than raw power.

Net Worth and Earnings

There is no official, publicly confirmed figure for Riley Newman’s net worth, so any number should be treated strictly as an estimate. Various pickleball outlets have published estimates, but these are not verified by Newman or his team and should be read with healthy skepticism.

What can be said with confidence is that his income comes from a mix of PPA Tour prize money, a tour contract, and endorsement deals. As one of the longest-tenured and most decorated doubles players on tour, Newman has accumulated a large number of medals and a substantial body of prize earnings over his career. Still, pickleball purses and player contracts are rarely disclosed in full, so the exact totals behind any net worth estimate are not public.

Sponsorships and Brand Endorsements

Riley Newman’s most prominent endorsement is his paddle deal with Paddletek, where he is featured on the “Team Paddletek” roster. He plays with the brand’s Reserve Honeyfoam paddle and helps promote Paddletek equipment at tournaments and across his platforms.

A featured spot on a major paddle brand’s pro roster is a meaningful marker of a player’s standing in the sport, reserved for athletes a company sees as central to its identity. Paddletek highlights Newman as a former world No. 1 and one of its headline doubles players.

Personal Life

Newman keeps much of his personal life private. The most consistently documented family connection is to his sister, Lindsey Newman, his frequent mixed doubles partner and fellow pro. Beyond his Whidbey Island roots and his athletic family, additional personal details are not reliably confirmed in public sources, so we have left them out here rather than speculate.

What Is Next for Riley Newman

As pickleball continues to professionalize and a wave of younger players pushes into the top rankings, Newman represents the experienced core of the men’s game. Whether he is reuniting with a familiar partner like Matt Wright or breaking in a new pairing, his consistency, reach, and tournament savvy keep him a threat deep into events. For longtime fans of the sport, he remains one of the most recognizable and respected names on tour.

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FAQs

How old is Riley Newman?

Riley Newman was born on June 3, 1993, making him 33 years old as of June 2026.

Where is Riley Newman from?

Newman was born and raised on Whidbey Island, Washington, just north of Seattle. He is not from Hawaii, despite a common misconception.

Who does Riley Newman play with?

Over his career, Newman is best known for his men’s doubles partnership with Matt Wright. In mixed doubles he has partnered with players including his sister Lindsey Newman, Catherine Parenteau, and more recently Vivienne David.