Anna Leigh Waters, Franklin Sports Team Up in Long-Term Partnership – Pickleball News Asia
It didn’t take long for one of pickleball’s GOATs, Anna Leigh Waters, to find a new sponsor. On Frid
On Friday, Franklin Sports announced via Instagram that it has signed ALW to a long-term partnership. This comes just two days after Waters and Paddletek, her previous sponsor, mutually parted ways after seven years.
“The Queen has Arrived,” Franklin Sports announced in a video heralding ALW’s signing.
In a statement, Franklin Sports said that Waters will be competing, at least for the time being, using new versions of the C45° Carbon Fiber Paddle. A signature paddle, though, will be on the way and is scheduled to be available for preorder starting 16 January 2026.
“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome the undisputed number one pickleball player in the world to the Franklin Sports family,” said Adam Franklin, President of Franklin Sports, in the statement. “Anna Leigh’s remarkable talent, competitive spirit, and passion for the game align perfectly with our mission to support athletes at every level while continuing to grow the sport globally.”
In addition to paddles, Franklin Sports will also be working with Waters to “co-design a signature line of products including pickleball paddles, pickleball bags, and pickleball accessories.” This effectively makes the winningest player in pro pickleball the face of Franklin Sports moving forward. And it’s probably why ALW thought of the brand as “the right partner.”
“When looking for the right partner for the future of my game, performance was a priority, and I’ve been so impressed by Franklin’s commitment to paddle innovation,” Waters said in a separate statement. “Beyond the technology, I had an immediate connection with the team and felt like part of the family. I have a lot of trust in this partnership and am especially excited to work together on our shared vision for international growth.”
