If you needed a final "stamp of approval" that pickleball has graduated from a backyard hobby to a high-performance global sport, here it is. Anna Leigh Waters (ALW), the undisputed #1 player in the world, has officially signed with Nike.
This marks a historic shift that places ALW alongside icons like Serena Williams and LeBron James. For a sport that has long fought for mainstream legitimacy, the "Nike Effect" has officially arrived.
The Gear Switch
ALW’s transition from Fila to Nike was made crystal clear on the court when she debuted a new "cobalt blue" Nike kit. But for players looking to match her kit, the most important detail is on her feet.
If you've been wondering what shoes Anna Leigh Waters wears, she has officially laced up the Nike Zoom Challenge. These are Nike’s pickleball-specific shoes, made to handle the heavy lateral cutting and hard-court pivots that define her aggressive style of play.
While Nike has claimed the apparel and footwear lane, they aren't the only power brand in her bag. The Anna Leigh Waters Nike deal actually coincides with her massive, rumored $10 million deal with Franklin. Even with the Swoosh on her feet, she still swings a Franklin pickleball paddle to dominate the competition.
Will Nike Release a Pickleball Paddle?
The industry is currently buzzing with one question: Will Nike eventually release a pickleball paddle of its own? For now, the "Nike Era" seems focused on dominating the apparel and footwear markets. By leaving the hardware to experts like Franklin, Nike is leaning into what they do best, outfitting the world's greatest athletes.
Want to see the newest pickleball paddles out? Check out our newest releases below!
From Backyard Hobby to Global Phenomenon
For years, pickleball fought the "backyard hobby" label, but seeing the world’s most recognizable athletic brand invest in the #1 player puts the sport in the same league as mainstream sports like basketball, tennis, and golf.
What was once viewed as a niche activity for retirees has evolved into a full-blown cultural movement. Nike’s entry signals to the rest of the world that pickleball isn't just a trend; it's a commercially dominant sport that is here to stay.
Play with the Gear of a Legend
ALW is officially a Nike athlete, but her power on the court comes from her paddle. ALW is already playing with her signature Franklin Paddle, but unfortunately, the public hasn't had the chance to get to play with it just yet. Keep your eyes peeled for the Franklin ALW series.
