World pickleball No. 1Anna Leigh Waters(ALW), after finishing her appearance at the "MB Hanoi Cup" in Hanoi (April 1-5), will hold a clinic and showcase event jointly with Franklin Sports on April 6-7 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.On the occasion of her first landing in Asia, she is showing a stance of actively engaging in pickleball promotion within Vietnam as well.
Event Overview: A Chance to Learn Directly from the World Champion
This event, co-hosted by Franklin Sports and ALW, will be held over two days at a pickleball court in Ho Chi Minh City. Both a clinic format with direct instruction from ALW and a showcase format of watching pro play up close are planned, making it a perfect chance for players and enthusiasts in Vietnam to experience the world No. 1's skills firsthand.
ALWthe Hanoi tournamentcommented, as a highlight of, "I'm really looking forward to the clinic in Vietnam too." As part of the long-term partnership signed with Franklin Sports in January 2026, the strategy is to put effort into promotion in the Asian market as well.
Franklin x ALW: The New Setup for 2026
ALW had been under contract with Paddletek for seven years, but on January 8, 2026, she announced a long-term contract with Franklin Sports. She plans to jointly develop a signature line including paddles, balls, and bags, and pre-orders for the ALW signature paddle opened on January 16.
Franklin Sports is a long-established sports brand with a high share in the pickleball-ball segment. This signing of ALW is drawing attention within the industry as a major move in strengthening the brand's competitive standing.JOOLA's move into shoesIn 2026, the premiumization of the pickleball equipment market is accelerating, with moves such as.
Expansion of Asia's Pickleball Market: Southeast Asia Is the Next Main Battleground
In Vietnam, pickleball courts have rapidly increased over the past few years, and the urban sports population is expanding, centered on Ho Chi Minh City. This ALW visit to Ho Chi Minh City is seen as contributing greatly to raising the sport's awareness in the Southeast Asian market.
On the PPA Tour Asia, second and third stops are planned to follow Hanoi going forward, and the expansion of the pickleball playing population across Asia is expected to continue.In Japan, the PPA Asia Sansan Tokyo Open in Tachikawa in Julylies ahead, and the momentum of Asian tournaments looks likely to spread to Japan too.
FAQ
Q. Can the general public take part in the Ho Chi Minh City clinic?
A. Details on how to participate are to be announced on official social media (ALW / Franklin Sports). Those living locally or traveling there can get information by following along.
Q. Where can I buy the Franklin paddle ALW uses?
A. It's increasingly carried on Franklin Sports' official site and at major sporting goods shops within Japan.
Source references:
andPPA Tour Asia Official
andThe Dink：ALW Franklin deal
andYahoo Finance：Franklin Sports ALW partnership
