In January 2026, a huge shock ran through the pickleball world. World No. 1 Anna Leigh Waters (18) signed a long-term paddle contract estimated at over $10 million (about 1.5 billion yen) with the sporting goods maker Franklin Sports. Furthermore, in the apparel and shoe segment, she partnered with Nike, becomingNike's first-ever exclusive pickleball player. These two major contracts are a symbolic event marking pickleball's full-fledged recognition as a major sport.
Who Is Anna Leigh Waters?
Born in 2007, Anna Leigh is a "prodigy" who turned pro at age 12. Now 18, she holds the world No. 1 ranking in all of PPA Tour singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. As of February 2026, her career record is103 tournaments entered, a 93.8% win rate over 897 matches. She boasts an unrivaled record of 181 gold medals won and 39 triple crowns (winning singles, doubles, and mixed in one tournament).
In doubles, she's also known for pairing with her own mother, Leigh Waters, and as the "strongest mother-daughter pair" they captivate fans around the world. She's also the highest-earning player in women's pro pickleball.
| Item | Figure |
|---|---|
| Age at Pro Debut | 12 (youngest-ever record) |
| Current World Rank | No. 1 in all of singles, doubles, and MXD |
| Career Win Rate | 93.8% (897 matches) |
| Gold Medals | 181 |
| Triple Crowns | 39 |
A Long-Term Paddle Contract with Franklin Sports
On January 8, 2026, Franklin Sports officially announced a long-term partnership with Anna Leigh. Franklin Sports is an American sporting goods brand with worldwide recognition in the pickleball-ball share through the PPA Tour's official ball, the "Franklin X-40." With this contract, Anna Leigh will jointly develop a signature line including paddles, bags, and accessories with Franklin.
According to industry sources, the total value of this contract is estimated atover $10 million (about 1.5 billion yen), the highest-ever contract for a women's pickleball player. Why did Anna Leigh choose Franklin? She herself says it's "because Franklin is a brand with pickleball in its DNA," explaining that the Franklin X-40 ball in particular is her "origin brand," one she's used since she was young.
The Full Details of the Aurelius Paddle
Anna Leigh's signature paddle, the "Aurelius," means "golden" in Latin. It's a naming that suits Anna Leigh, a symbol of gold medals, perfectly.
Its technical features are as follows:
- Face Material:T700 carbon fiber (45-degree peel-ply texture) -- a special treatment that maximizes spin performance
- Core:PowerFlex(TM) polymer core -- optimizes the balance of power, control, and feel
- Construction:Double thermoformed unibody -- greatly reduces vibration and improves durability
- Thickness:3 types (12.7mm / 14mm / 16mm). Anna Leigh herself uses the 12.7mm
- Weight:7.2-8.0 oz (varies by thickness)
- Grip:5.1 inches in total length, 3.9 inches in circumference
It obtained UPA-A (USA Pickleball Approved) certification on February 6, 2026. This was just about a month after the Franklin contract announcement -- anunusually fast approvalthat became a talking point within the industry too. Shipping to the general public began March 1 of the same year, with a list price of $139-159 (varies by thickness).
A Historic Contract with Nike -- Pickleball's First Nike Player
On January 13, 2026, Nike announced an apparel and footwear contract with Anna Leigh. This was a historic moment -- the first time Nike signed a sponsorship contract with a pickleball player. Anna Leigh will wear Nike apparel and shoes in all official matches and serve as a global ambassador for the brand.
CNBC reported it as "Nike's first step into full-fledged entry into the fast-growing sport of pickleball." That Nike -- which counts Serena Williams in tennis and Michael Jordan and LeBron James in basketball -- took on a pickleball player is also a message to the sports world as a whole. It's a declaration that "pickleball is no longer a niche sport."
Why These Two Major Contracts Change the Pickleball World
The reason Anna Leigh's contract is noteworthy isn't simply that it's a "high-value contract." Traditionally, pickleball players' sponsorship contracts were mostly limited to pickleball-specialist brands. But this deal,
- The Entry of Global Brands:With Nike making a move, there's a high chance other majors like Adidas and Puma will follow
- Establishing Players' Market Value:A contract of over 1 billion yen makes it easier to make a living as a pro player, spurring expansion of the playing population
- Ripple Effects on the Japanese Market:With global brands entering, a future in which pickleball equipment lines the shelves of sporting goods superstores and department stores draws near
The Franklin Aurelius paddle is already becoming available viaFranklin's official siteand through domestic distributors, and getting hold of an Anna Leigh model is no longer a dream.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I buy the Aurelius paddle in Japan too?
A. Currently (as of April 2026), shipping has just begun, mainly for North America. Ways to obtain it include personal import from the Franklin Sports official site, or going through pickleball-specialist online stores. Handling via authorized Japanese distributors is also expected to increase going forward. The price is around $139-159 (about 21,000-24,000 yen) depending on thickness.
Q. Why did Anna Leigh switch from her previous paddle brand to Franklin?
A. Anna Leigh had long used PaddleTek, but her contract expired at the end of 2025. As reasons for choosing Franklin among offers from several major brands, she cites "familiarity with the Franklin X-40 ball she's used since she was young" and "recognition of her deep involvement in paddle design." It seems the deciding factor was being welcomed not as a mere sponsor, but as a co-developer of the product.
Q. Will Nike release pickleball-only shoes too?
A. For now, the contract with Anna Leigh spans apparel and footwear in general, and it's seen as centering mainly on making use of existing lines such as tennis shoes. However, Nike has commented that development of pickleball-only court shoes is "under consideration," and future announcements are anticipated.
Summary
World No. 1 Anna Leigh Waters pushed pickleball to a new stage with two major deals -- a paddle contract with Franklin Sports (estimated at over 1.5 billion yen) and a historic apparel contract with Nike. Her signature paddle, the "Aurelius," is at the highest technical level too, a piece drawing attention from pros and amateurs alike. Now, as pickleball steadily walks the road to becoming a global major sport, Anna Leigh's movements can't be taken off.
Sources:The Dink Pickleball / Franklin Sports Official / CNBC
