Anna Leigh Waters signs a historic long-term contract with Nike

In an announcement that will go down in the history of sport, Anna Leigh Waters , the world's number 1 player and iconic figure in pickleball, has just signed a historic long-term contract with Nike , thus becoming the first pickleball athlete to join the prestigious global roster of the American brand . 

This strategic partnership puts pickleball in the international spotlight and marks a major turning point for the athlete, the sport, and Nike's strategy. Discover what this means in concrete terms in this comprehensive article.

A major turning point: pickleball enters the big leagues

Nike, one of the world's sporting giants, had never officially partnered with a pickleball player before.
With Anna Leigh Waters, this choice changes everything: pickleball officially enters the world of major disciplines covered by Nike , on the same level as basketball, football or running. 

According to the official statement, this contract covers technical clothing (apparel) and performance footwear that Waters will wear exclusively at all major competitions , starting with the Carvana PPA Masters which takes place this week. 

Nike describes this signing as a historic milestone , stating that Waters is now the first pickleball athlete to join its stable of international ambassadors. 

Anna Leigh Waters: From prodigy to global icon

To understand the impact of this signing, one must grasp the scope of Anna Leigh Waters' career. She made pickleball history from a very young age:

• She became the youngest professional pickleball player in history at just 12 years old . 
• She currently dominates the world rankings in singles, doubles and mixed doubles . 
• She has accumulated over 180 gold medals and 39 triple crowns, an unprecedented achievement. 

Her aggressive playing style, her youth, and her media presence make her the ideal ambassador for pickleball , but also a legitimate choice for a brand like Nike that wants to combine performance and innovation . 

Anna Leigh Waters has recently made headlines by changing her paddle sponsor from Paddletek to Franklin.

What are the details of the contract with Nike?

Although the amounts have not been made public , several key elements have been confirmed:

🔥 Exclusive apparel & footwear

Anna Leigh Waters will wear Nike technical outfits and Nike performance shoes at all major events on the professional circuit. 

🚀 A long-term partnership

Nike is talking about a multi-year agreement, which demonstrates the brand's long-term ambition in pickleball. 

🌍 A global presence

By aligning with Nike's international strategy, Waters becomes a global brand ambassador in pickleball. 

This partnership comes shortly after it signed a historic contract with Franklin Sports for its paddles and equipment , which shows a comprehensive approach to structuring its commercial relationships. 

Why is Nike making this strategic bet?

Nike is accustomed to building its growth around iconic athletes. By signing Waters, the brand:

It covers a new and rapidly expanding discipline.

Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States and is beginning to gain popularity in Europe and Asia. Nike wants to capture this emerging audience. 

Strengthens its portfolio of youth athletes

Waters has a strong media appeal, particularly among young players and sports communities on social media, which fits well with Nike's current marketing strategy. 

Combines performance and innovation

Nike highlights its expertise in performance clothing and footwear technology, an asset if you want to penetrate a technical sport like pickleball. 

What are the implications for pickleball?

More media visibility

This signing goes beyond the equipment: it brings considerable media coverage to pickleball, allowing the sport to reach a much wider audience, particularly young people and fans of mainstream sports. 

Increased professionalization

Seeing Nike invest in pickleball sends a strong signal to other major brands: sport is now a commercially viable and competitive category . 

Impact on markets

Analysts have already noted a positive reaction from financial markets to the announcement of this partnership, illustrating the economic interest of Nike's entry into pickleball. 

Anna Leigh Waters' reaction

In statements made public, Waters explained that joining Nike was the realization of a personal dream , as she grew up watching her idols wear the famous "Swoosh". 

She also emphasized that this partnership aims to push the boundaries of what is possible in pickleball , by combining its competitive approach with Nike innovation. 

What this deal will change in practice

Style and performance on the field

Expect to see Waters in high-performance Nike gear at major competitions, while the brand could also release lines dedicated to pickleball players, a potential first. 

Presence on the professional circuit

The official start of this collaboration will take place during the PPA Tour Carvana Masters 2026 , one of the major events of the season. 

Ripple effect for amateurs

When an international icon changes equipment or style, it often influences the choices of amateur players, particularly regarding the clothing and footwear brands they adopt. 

Conclusion: a contract that goes beyond sport

Anna Leigh Waters' signing with Nike is more than just a commercial contract: it's a historic step for pickleball . It confirms that the sport has reached a level of popularity and professionalism that attracts the most influential brands in the world. 

For Waters, it's the culmination of an already exceptional career. For Nike, it's an opportunity to shape the future of an emerging sport. And for pickleball fans, it's a clear signal: pickleball is now recognized at the highest international level. 

FAQ — Everything you need to know about Anna Leigh Waters' Nike contract

1) Is Anna Leigh Waters the first pickleball player signed by Nike?

Yes, she is the very first pickleball athlete to join Nike's global roster . 

2) Does the contract include any financial amounts?

The financial details have not been officially released . 

3) What products will Waters wear?

She will exclusively wear Nike technical clothing and shoes in competition . 

4) When does this partnership begin?

His official competitive debut is scheduled for the PPA Masters in January 2026 . 

5) Does this contract replace a previous sponsorship?

Yes, he arrives after the end of his previous apparel and footwear contract with Fila.