Yuta Funamizu, ranked No. 1 in Japan among Japanese pickleball players, has signed a sponsorship deal with the U.S. paddle brand "Diadem." The Dink Pickleball reported it in its 2026 pro paddle contract roundup. The 2026 season is seeing top pros switch sponsors on an unprecedented scale — led by ALW (Anna Leigh Waters) moving to Franklin — and with Chinese brand Li-Ning entering the U.S. market as well, the paddle industry's competitive map is being redrawn dramatically.
Details of Yuta Funamizu's Diadem Deal
Yuta Funamizu is a top player leading Japan's competitive pickleball scene. He switched from tennis to pickleball and has built a track record in tournaments at home and abroad. He also holds one of the highest DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) figures in Japan.
Diadem is a U.S. brand with a track record in tennis rackets and is accelerating its entry into the pickleball market. Its deal with Funamizu is seen as part of Diadem's Asia market strategy.A Sponsor Move by a Pro Player Following ALW's Switch to FranklinAs it accelerates across the industry, this is a deal with the Japanese market in mind.
List of Major Paddle Sponsor Moves in 2026
| Player | Former sponsor | New sponsor | Points of Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anna Leigh Waters | Paddletek | Franklin + Nike | The biggest deal in the industry's history |
| Riley Newman | ProXR | Paddletek | Becoming the face of Paddletek as ALW's successor |
| Zane Navratil | – | Paddletek | A pillar of Paddletek's new lineup |
| Yuta Funamizu | – | Diadem | Japan's No. 1 ranking / Asia strategy |
| Tyler Loong | – | Vulcan | Set to make his paddle debut at the PPA Masters |
| Dekel Bar | JOOLA | 11Six24 | One of those who left JOOLA |
| Eric Oncins | JOOLA | Engage | The JOOLA departures |
| Chris Haworth | Babolat | Luzz | To an emerging brand |
Li-Ning's U.S. Entry and the Rise of Chinese Brands
One of the most notable moves in the 2026 paddle industry is the entry of major Chinese sports brand "Li-Ning" into the U.S. pro market. Li-Ning has unveiled two new paddles and is signing deals with pro players. With Li-Ning — which has an international track record in badminton and tennis — making a full-scale entry into the pickleball market, existing makers face pressure on both price and quality.
Industry analysts note, "2026 will be the year the shakeout among paddle makers begins. The entry of major sports brands will force small and midsize makers to differentiate."Paddletek Group's Integration of ProXR and Yobowis also positioned within this industry-reshuffling trend.
On social media, while pro players say "more player transfers are proof the market is growing," there are also reactions like "as a fan, it's hard to keep up when your favorite player keeps changing." Industry insiders predict, "2026 is a year the market expands too much, and consolidation will begin next year."
Impact on Japanese players
Yuta Funamizu's Diadem deal shows that the path to landing a sponsor is opening up for Japanese pickleball players. Diadem may strengthen its product rollout and event sponsorships for the Japanese market going forward.
From a paddle-selection standpoint, the 2026 rush of sponsor moves has created a flow in which each brand is rolling out one "new model for its flagship player" after another.11Six24's Power 2 (equipped with HexGrit)As more technologically innovative models like this emerge, purchasing options will surely widen.
| Brands | Flagship player | Signature paddle | Availability in Japan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Franklin | Anna Leigh Waters | Aurelius | Some shops plus overseas mail order |
| Diadem | Yuta Funamizu | (signature model not yet announced) | Via tennis shops |
| JOOLA | Ben Johns | Hyperion C2 / Kosmos Pro V | Domestic distributor available |
| Selkirk | Tyson McGuffin | Vanguard Power Air | Domestic distributor available |
| 11Six24 | Dekel Bar | Power 2 | Overseas mail order |
Summary: 2026 Is a Turning Point for the Paddle Industry
Yuta Funamizu's Diadem deal is bright news for Japan's pickleball world. In 2026, the pro paddle market is in upheaval — ALW's move to Franklin, Li-Ning's U.S. entry, and a wave of players leaving JOOLA. We hope players in Japan will see this change as a good chance to encounter a new paddle. Keep an eye on the announcement of Funamizu's Diadem signature model, too.
FAQ
- Q: Can you buy Diadem paddles in Japan?
- A: Diadem's tennis products are carried by domestic tennis shops. As of April 2026, pickleball paddles are mainly bought through overseas mail order (diadem.com and the like).
- Q: What is Yuta Funamizu's next tournament?
- A: He is seen as a strong candidate to compete in the PPA ASIA 500 Sansan Tokyo Open (scheduled for May). Check the official Pickleball Japan site for the latest information.
