Anna Leigh Waters, who boasts an overwhelming win rate on the PPA Tour,announced that in early 2026, she ended her contract with her longtime sponsorPaddletekandFranklin Pickleball (under Franklin Sports)signed a long-term paddle contract with.The Dink PickleballAccording to the continually updated "2026 Pro Paddle Deals," it's an unusual season in whichthe contracts of over 30 pro players are on the moveacross the whole industry.
Contract Overview -- "The World's Highest-Earning Pickleball Player" Heads to Franklin
Anna Leigh Waters (19, from Florida, USA) hasover 100 combined titles in PPA Tour women's singles, women's doubles, and mixed doubles. Also known for the strongest doubles pairing with her mother, Leigh Waters, she has been recognized in the industry as "the player with the highest commercial value." In the Paddletek era, the company's signature "ALW" model paddle monopolized the top of enthusiast rankings, and her departure from the contract is shocking the industry.
In a personal comment, she announced, "I'm proud to begin a new chapter of my career together with Franklin Sports." Franklin Pickleball is a latecomer brand that only made full-fledged entry in 2024, but by signing Waters it has instantly gained top-tier presence in the industry.
A Chain of Moves -- Paddletek Counters with Multiple Signings to Cover the "ALW Outflow"
In response to Waters' departure, Paddletek is reinforcing its lineup by newly signing several top players. The major contracts that moved in early 2026 are as follows.
| Player | Before Move | After Move | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anna Leigh Waters | Paddletek | Franklin Pickleball | Women's singles and doubles queen |
| Riley Newman | ProXR | Paddletek | Top in men's doubles and mixed |
| Connor Garnett | (free agent) | Paddletek | Promising young men's singles player |
| Max Freeman | (free agent) | Paddletek | Active in seniors + mixed |
| Zane Navratil | (free agent) | Paddletek | Former amateur-tour money leader |
From industry insiders, a voice has risen saying, "Standing up a solo flagship to succeed ALW is difficult, butholding multiple star players across the three axes of men's, mixed, and seniors-- Paddletek has shifted to that strategy."It's seen as a move linked to the recently announced Paddletek Group (ProXR / Yobow merger)as well.
Industry and Social Reactions -- "Franklin Promoted to a True Major Brand"
- 「Franklin has finally joined the ranks of major brands. If Waters' signature paddle comes out, it's guaranteed to sell out immediately" (a US paddle reviewer)
- 「The final lot of the ALW Paddletek modelwill surge as a collector's item. On the used market it's already at a 20% premium" (a used-gear shop)
- "When the paddle Waters uses changes,it may affect her play styletoo. Whether it's Franklin's full-foam type or more tech-leaning, a new model announcement is awaited" (a pro coach)
- "PaddletekRiley Newman+Connor Garnettsigning at the same time is strong. It's a picture of aiming to fight back on the men's side" (an industry analyst)
The Impact on the Japanese Market -- Franklin's Official Distribution May Accelerate
In the Japanese market, until nowFranklin Pickleball's recognition has been middling, with fewer stores carrying it compared to JOOLA, Selkirk, and Paddletek. With Waters joining, the following changes are expected within Japan too.
- Expansion of Franklin's Authorized Japanese Distributors: In line with the signature model's release, handling at major pickleball stores in Tokyo and Osaka is expected to expand
- An Inflow of JPA TOP TOUR Player Sponsorships: Taking the Waters signing as an occasion, Franklin may also increase sponsorship contracts with Japanese players
- Expanded Options for Intermediates: Into the mid-price range previously centered on the "Selkirk SLK" and "JOOLA Hyperion," the Franklin Aspire series makes full-fledged entry
2026 Paddle Market Trends -- "Full Foam" and the "Grit Revolution" Advance in Parallel
For the 2026 paddle market as a whole,full-foam core technologyandnext-generation grit surface treatmentthe two of have become major trends.
- Going Full-Foam: Friday Pickleball introduced the "Aura" and "Aura Pro," offering full-foam performance at a price of $159. Drawing attention as a control-oriented option alongsideHonolulu Gen4Drawing attention as a control-oriented option alongside
- Next-Generation Grit: Competition over each company's proprietary long-life surface treatments -- Diadem's "Diamond Tough," JOOLA's "InfiniGrit," and others -- is intensifying
- Small-Lot Limited Editions：Paddletek Reserve HoneyFoam No.001As with, high-price lines that introduce new technology ahead of others
The Latest Contract Situation of Major Paddle Brands
| Brands | Flagship Players | 2026 Moves |
|---|---|---|
| Franklin Pickleball | Anna Leigh Waters (new) | Promoted to industry top tier, signature model in preparation |
| Paddletek | Riley Newman, Zane Navratil, Connor Garnett, Max Freeman | Moving to a multi-brand structure via a Group merger (ProXR / Yobow) |
| JOOLA | Ben Johns, Tyson McGuffin, etc. | First retail store opens in Maryland |
| Selkirk | Tyson McGuffin, JW Johnson | Strengthening the SLK series' mid-price range |
| Friday Pickleball | Rachel Rohrabacher (first pro contract) | Entering the full-foam market with the Aura / Aura Pro |
FAQ
Q1. Until when can Waters' signature paddle, the "ALW Paddletek model," be purchased?
A. New production at Paddletek's official channel is expected to end. It's set to continue selling while stock lasts, but with it becoming a collector's item, prices are rising on the used market.
Q2. When will Franklin's new paddle be released?
A. There's no official announcement from Franklin Sports yet, but by industry insiders' estimates,a Waters signature model in summer to autumn 2026is expected to appear. Until then, a strengthening of the existing "Aspire" and "Pro" series is expected.
Q3. Where can I buy Franklin paddles in Japan?
A. Currently it centers on limited handling at Amazon and pickleball specialty stores (Tokyo and Osaka). Taking the Waters model release as an occasion, expanded handling at JPA-affiliated stores is anticipated.
Summary -- The "ALW Departure" Is the Biggest News of 2026, Reshaping the Industry Map
Anna Leigh Waters' move to Franklin became news that goes beyond a mere player contract change tochange the very competitive structure of the paddle market. Paddletek counters with multiple signings, but the absence of the women's singles and doubles queen has a large impact on its product lineup.
As a concrete next action, for players who favored the ALW paddle, the standard move is towait for Franklin's new model in summer 2026, or consider transitioning to a Paddletek successor model (the Bantam EPX series, etc.). If you're collector-minded, securing the current ALW'sserial-numbered final lotbecomes the key.
