Pickleball Prodigy Anna Leigh Waters Inks Deal With Franklin Sports, Signaling New Era for the Sport
Rising Star Aligns With Industry Leader to Innovate and Expand Globally
In a move that underscores the rapid ascent of pickleball from recreational pastime to professional powerhouse, Anna Leigh Waters, the sport's undisputed top-ranked player, has signed a long-term partnership with Franklin Sports. The announcement, made Thursday from Franklin's headquarters in Stoughton, Mass., pairs the 18-year-old phenom with a brand that has been at the forefront of pickleball's equipment evolution since 2017. As Waters prepares to turn 19 on January 26, this collaboration not only cements her status as a trailblazer but also highlights the growing commercial stakes in a game that has exploded in popularity across the United States and beyond.
The Partnership Unveiled
Franklin Sports, a venerable name in sporting goods with roots dating back to 1946, revealed the deal in a statement that emphasized mutual ambition. Adam Franklin, the company's president, described Waters as embodying "remarkable talent, competitive spirit, and passion for the game," qualities that align with Franklin's ethos of supporting athletes from backyard enthusiasts to elite pros. The agreement comes at a pivotal moment for pickleball, which has seen participation surge by over 200 percent in recent years, drawing comparisons to the early boom of tennis in the 1970s.
Under the terms of the partnership, Waters will compete using advanced iterations of Franklin's C45° Carbon Fiber Paddle, a thermoformed carbon weave technology that has become a staple on the professional circuit. This shift in equipment is more than cosmetic; it's a strategic endorsement of Franklin's innovation pipeline, which Waters cited as a key factor in her decision. "Performance was a priority," she said in the release, praising the company's commitment to pushing boundaries in paddle design.
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Waters' Historical Pickleball Journey
Anna Leigh Waters' journey to the pinnacle of pickleball reads like a script from a sports underdog story, albeit one accelerated by precocious talent and multi-generational family support. Introduced to the game in September 2017 by her grandfather when she and her mother, Leigh Waters, evacuated Florida during Hurricane Irma. Ten year old Anna Leigh instantly transitioned from novice to prodigy at her first tournament a month later, winning a gold medal at the Delray Beach Gamma Pickleball Classic. Teaming initially with her mother—who now serves as her coach and manager—the duo pioneered an aggressive, high-velocity style winning the Pro Women's Doubles World Championship in 2019.
By age 18, Waters has amassed a staggering 181 gold medals on the Pro Pickleball Association (PPA) tour, including 39 career triple crowns—a feat unmatched in the sport's young history. Since 2022, she has held the No. 1 ranking in women's singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, a trifecta that places her in rarified air. Her fan base, drawn to her fiery on-court demeanor and off-court accessibility, spans generations, inspiring young players to pick up paddles in parks and community centers worldwide. As pickleball courts proliferate—from urban rooftops to suburban cul-de-sacs—Waters has become the face of its democratization.
Franklin's Stake in Pickleball's Growth
Franklin Sports entered the pickleball arena in 2017 with the launch of its X-40 ball, which swiftly earned official status from USA Pickleball, the APP Tour, and the US Open Pickleball Championships. This foothold has expanded into a comprehensive product line, including paddles, bags, nets, and accessories, positioning Franklin as a global leader amid fierce competition from brands like Selkirk and Joola.
The Waters partnership builds on Franklin's roster of sponsored athletes, which includes pros from the PPA, APP, and international tours. Beyond equipment, the deal promises collaborative product development: Waters will co-design a signature line of paddles, bags, and accessories tailored to both competitive and casual players. Additionally, the duo plans to introduce a new pro-level pickleball to complement the X-40, aiming to set new standards in durability and performance.
This alliance also extends to broader initiatives, such as international marketing campaigns and athlete-led clinics, designed to fuel pickleball's global expansion. With the sport eyeing Olympic inclusion—potentially as early as 2032—Franklin's investment in Waters signals a bet on pickleball's enduring appeal.
Looking Ahead: Innovation and Inspiration
The partnership's emphasis on "athlete insights, product testing, and innovation" suggests a hands-on role for Waters in shaping Franklin's future offerings. She expressed enthusiasm for the familial vibe of the Franklin team, noting an "immediate connection" that fostered trust. Joint efforts will focus on elevating performance across skill levels, from beginners tweaking their dinks to pros mastering third-shot drops.
On the horizon, expect Waters and Franklin to embark on international visits, promoting the sport in emerging markets like Europe and Asia, where pickleball is gaining traction amid a post-pandemic fitness boom. This global push aligns with Waters' vision of inspiring a new wave of players, much as she was once inspired by her family's impromptu introduction to the game.
In-Depth Summary: A Watershed Moment for Pickleball
Anna Leigh Waters' alignment with Franklin Sports represents more than a sponsorship deal; it's a confluence of youthful dominance and established expertise that could accelerate pickleball's maturation as a mainstream sport. At 18, Waters has already rewritten the record books, her 181 golds and 39 triple crowns underscoring a dominance that rivals early-career legends in tennis or golf. Franklin, with its proven track record—starting with the X-40 ball and expanding to premium gear—gains a charismatic ambassador whose aggressive playstyle and fan engagement amplify its brand.
The collaboration's multifaceted scope, from co-designed signature products to a new pro ball and international outreach, positions both parties to capitalize on pickleball's explosive growth. Participation has ballooned to over 36 million players in the U.S. alone, per recent industry reports, driven by its accessibility, low-impact appeal, and social nature. Yet challenges remain: standardizing equipment regulations, expanding professional infrastructure, and navigating rival leagues like the PPA and Major League Pickleball (MLP), where Waters has excel.
Critics might view such deals as commercialization encroaching on a grassroots game, but proponents argue they inject resources needed for sustainability. For Waters, this partnership marks a "next chapter" prioritizing performance and shared vision. As she approaches her 19th birthday, her trajectory suggests not just sustained success but a lasting legacy—one that could see pickleball courts as ubiquitous as basketball hoops. Franklin's bet on her? A calculated play in a sport where the net is low (34 inches), but the stakes are rising.
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