STOUGHTON, MASS. -- Franklin Sports, a leading brand in the sporting goods industry, announced the signing of pickleball’s number one player, Anna Leigh Waters to a long-term agreement. As Waters continues to dominate the ranks of both the Pro Pickleball Association (PPA) and Major League Pickleball (MLP), this exciting partnership further elevates Franklin Sports’ presence in the global pickleball landscape.

“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome the undisputed number one pickleball player in the world to the Franklin Sports family,” said Adam Franklin, President of Franklin Sports. “Anna Leigh’s remarkable talent, competitive spirit, and passion for the game align perfectly with our mission to support athletes at every level while continuing to grow the sport globally.”

As part of the collaboration, Waters has chosen to compete with new iterations of Franklin’s award-winning C45° Carbon Fiber Paddle technology. The multi-thermoformed C45° carbon weave has firmly established itself as the leading technology on the professional circuit. She will be working closely with Franklin Sports to co-design a signature line of products including pickleball paddles, pickleball bags, and pickleball accessories.

“I am incredibly proud to begin this next chapter of my career with Franklin Sports,” said Waters. “When looking for the right partner for the future of my game, performance was a priority, and I’ve been so impressed by Franklin’s commitment to paddle innovation. Beyond the technology, I had an immediate connection with the team and felt like part of the family. I have a lot of trust in this partnership and am especially excited to work together on our shared vision for international growth.”

Waters and Franklin Sports will also bring to market a brand-new, world-class pro pickleball to complement Franklin’s existing X-40 ball line, the number one ball in the sport.

The relationship will include athlete insights, product testing, and innovation focused on elevating performance for players at every level. The partnership also will enhance Franklin's global footprint, growing the game with international visits and innovative marketing efforts.

At just 18 years old, soon to be 19 this month, Anna Leigh Waters is already the winningest player in the history of the PPA with 181 gold medals and 39 career triple crowns. She discovered her passion for the game in 2017 when her grandfather introduced her to pickleball. Originally teaming up with her mom, Leigh Waters, who remains her coach and manager, Anna Leigh helped pioneer a new, aggressive style of play that won her a passionate following. Her fierce love for the game is matched only by her dedication to her fans, inspiring a new generation of pickleball players around the world.

Franklin Sports first entered the pickleball market in 2017 with the introduction of its X-40 Ball, the Official Ball of USA Pickleball, the APP Tour, and the US Open Pickleball Championships. Franklin now offers a full portfolio of premium products including paddles, bags, nets, accessories, and more. Waters joins an impressive and growing roster of Franklin-sponsored PPA, APP, and international tour pickleball athletes. Franklin Sports continues to strengthen its reputation as the global leader in professional pickleball. For more information on Franklin Sports and pickleball, visit www.franklinsports.com/pickleball.

Photography and video assets featuring Waters can be found HERE. Photo and video credit: Franklin Sports.