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)と長期パドル契約を締結した。The Dink Pickleballの継続更新「2026 Pro Paddle Deals」によると、業界全体でthe 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。母親のLeigh Watersとの最強ダブルスペアでも知られ、業界では「最も商業価値の高いプレイヤー」と認知されてきた。Paddletek時代のシグネチャーパドル「ALW」モデルが愛好家ランキング上位を独占しており、契約離脱は業界に衝撃を与えている。
In a personal comment, she announced, "I'm proud to begin a new chapter of my career together with Franklin Sports」と発表。Franklin Pickleballは2024年に本格参入したばかりの後発ブランドだが、Watersを獲得したことで業界トップティアの存在感を獲得することになった。
移籍の連鎖──Paddletekは「ALW流出」を複数獲得で補う
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 | （自由契約） | Paddletek | Promising young men's singles player |
| Max Freeman | （自由契約） | Paddletek | Active in seniors + mixed |
| Zane Navratil | （自由契約） | 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.
業界・SNSの反応
- 「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)
日本市場への影響──正規流通の加速が見込まれる
In the Japanese market, until nowFranklin Pickleball's recognition has been middlingで、JOOLAやSelkirk、Paddletekに比べて取扱店も限られていた。Watersの加入により、以下の変化が予想される。
- 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
- JPA TOP TOUR選手のスポンサー契約: 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年パドル市場のトレンド──フルフォームとグリット革命が同時進行
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.001のように、新技術を先行投入する高単価ライン
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.
まとめ──「ALW離脱」が業界の勢力図を再編
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.
