Franklin X-40 fans rejoice.

The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) just announced a major extension of its partnership with Franklin Sports. The Franklin X-40 ball will become the official and exclusive ball of the APP Tour and APP Next Gen Series starting in 2024 and beyond.

APP Chief Marketing Officer Tom Webb (recently featured on the PicklePod) commented, "We are very proud to build on our partnership with Franklin and solidify our close collaboration for years to come. Franklin has been a highly valued partner of the APP for more than two years, and we couldn’t be more excited to extend our partnership together. Their commitment to growing the sport of pickleball mirrors one of the core goals of the APP and our partnership is rooted in a shared belief that pickleball is a sport for all people of all ages and backgrounds."

Franklin's deeper involvement with the APP Tour will also include in-venue branding, signage, activation spaces, social media promotions, and more features on APP Tour broadcasts.

"We are excited to build on our partnership with the APP Tour and Next Gen platforms," shared Adam Franklin, President of Franklin Sports. "Over the years we have found a shared foundational commitment to creating greater visibility for pickleball and providing exceptional pickleball experiences for all levels of pickleball athletes. We are happy that experience will now see athletes of all levels utilizing the number one pickleball in the sport, the Franklin X-40, at all
APP Tour and Next Gen Platform events."

Unlike the PPA Tour, which adopted the Vulcan ball, the Franklin X-40 is already one of the most popular balls used by recreational players nationally.