Franklin Sports signs-up pickleball star Anna Leigh Waters

Franklin Sports has entered a long-term agreement with Anna Leigh Waters, the company said in a statement.

The equipment brand said Waters will compete with new iterations of Franklin’s C45° Carbon Fiber Paddle technology and will work with the firm to co-design a signature line of paddles, bags and accessories.

Waters and Franklin will also bring a new pro pickleball to market to complement the X-40 ball line.

“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome the undisputed number one pickleball player in the world to the Franklin Sports family,” Adam Franklin, President of Franklin Sports, said.

“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.”

At just 18 years old, soon to be 19 this month, Waters has 181 gold medals and 39 career triple crowns, the most of any player in professional pickleball. She discovered the game in 2017 when her grandfather introduced her to pickleball, and her mother, Leigh Waters, remains her coach and manager.

The Recap

• Franklin Sports signs Anna Leigh Waters to long-term partnership.
• Waters has won 181 gold medals in professional play.
• Waters will co-design a signature line and pro pickleball.