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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Anna Leigh Waters on SportsCenter: The Face of Pickleball Talks Growth, Legacy, and the Future of the Game
America’s No. 1 Pickleball Player Shares Her Journey and Vision on ESPN’s 50 States in 50 Days
Introduction
As part of ESPN’s “50 States in 50 Days” tour, SportsCenter landed in Grand Rapids, Michigan for a special spotlight on the fastest-growing sport in America: pickleball. At the center of the broadcast stood 17-year-old Anna Leigh Waters, the undisputed No. 1 player in the world. Waters joined the segment with confidence and humility, sharing insights on the sport’s explosive growth, her own unlikely start at age 10, and the deeply personal dynamic of competing with — and against — her mother.
Waters arrived in Michigan to compete in a weekend tournament with her team defending their championship title. “I’m very excited,” she told the host, explaining that the path to the title would be a grind, but one she was ready for. Her philosophy? “Match by match.” That grounded mentality reflects the maturity of someone who’s spent years at the top — and who knows what it takes to stay there.
Despite pickleball's rapid rise, skeptics still question its legitimacy as a sport. Waters, once a skeptic herself, acknowledged that she thought the game involved hitting an actual pickle when she was ten. But her views changed the moment she stepped on court. “It takes athleticism. It takes hard work,” she said. Her message to the doubters? “Get out on the court and try it.”
When asked about pickleball’s future, Waters didn’t hesitate: “It definitely should be [in the Olympics].” She acknowledged that getting there would be a personal dream — representing the United States on the Olympic stage — but she also emphasized what that would mean for the sport: “It would add another level of legit.”
Waters credits pickleball’s meteoric growth to its accessibility. “Any age, any gender can play,” she said. She fondly recalled rallying with her 70-year-old grandfather as a child — something few other sports could offer. But beyond that, she highlighted the community it builds. “In pickleball, we’re just all friends,” she said. “It makes people’s lives better.”
Waters invited viewers to attend a tournament for the experience alone. Unlike tennis, where silence and etiquette rule, pickleball tournaments are noisy, cheerful, and full of camaraderie. “Everyone's talking, cheering, clapping,” she said. “It’s immaculate.” That sense of connection and energy, she says, is part of the sport’s appeal.
Being on top hasn’t gotten to Waters’ head — though she admits it’s surreal to hear the title spoken out loud. “I try not to think about it too much,” she said. Instead of pressure, she sees challenge. “You definitely get people’s best when they play you,” she noted. But she believes that pressure has helped her grow stronger and more confident.
Waters’ mother, Leigh Waters, is more than just her coach. She was also the No. 1 player in the world before Anna Leigh took the throne. Their bond is both competitive and collaborative. “The first time I beat my mom, I was 11,” Anna Leigh recalled, laughing. “It was a little strange.” After that, they teamed up — traveling the country together, playing and winning. “It was a crazy bond,” she said, reflecting on memories she’ll always cherish.
Waters hopes to see pickleball grow even more internationally and among young players. When she first started, she was often the only kid on court. Now, tournaments draw hundreds of youth competitors. “It’s growing, but we can definitely do more there,” she said.
As the segment wrapped up, Waters’ joy was unmistakable. Her groundedness, humor, and passion were on full display — qualities that have made her both a champion and a true ambassador of the sport. Her final message? “Thank you for having me.” And with a smile, she turned back toward the courts, ready to compete, connect, and continue leading pickleball into the future.
Anna Leigh Waters’ SportsCenter feature captured the essence of a sport in transition — and a young woman leading that charge with grace and grit. From humble beginnings at age 10 to becoming the world’s No. 1 pickleball player, Waters’ journey highlights the unique spirit of pickleball: its inclusivity, its community, and its rapid ascent into mainstream culture. She debunked stereotypes, called for Olympic recognition, and shared the powerful bond she’s built with her mother through competition. Perhaps most importantly, she illuminated the welcoming, high-energy environment that has helped pickleball capture hearts across generations. Waters isn’t just defending titles — she’s helping define a movement.
Anna Leigh Waters On ESPN Sports Center v2
