Nike Signs First-Ever Pickleball Pro, Anna Leigh Waters

"This agreement establishes Anna Leigh as the first-ever pickleball athlete to join Nike’s elite global roster."

It happened.

Anna Leigh Waters, pickleball's undisputed No. 1 pro and the sport's biggest star, has signed a long-term pickleball apparel and footwear deal with Nike, making her the first Nike pickleball athlete on the brand's elite global roster.

"This agreement establishes Anna Leigh as the first-ever pickleball athlete to join Nike’s elite global roster," an official release states.

Starting with PPA Masters, Waters will compete exclusively in Nike performance pickleball apparel and footwear across every event and professional tournament, "bringing the brand's signature innovation and style to the pickleball court." Anna Leigh was already spotted testing Franklin paddles and Nike apparel before the deal was made official, giving fans an early preview of what was coming.

The news comes just days after Anna Leigh Waters announced a long-term paddle deal with Franklin Pickleball, widely considered pro pickleball's first $10 million deal. Her signature Franklin paddle, the Aurelius, has already been approved for pro play, making 2025 the most commercially significant year of her career.

"Growing up, I watched my idols wear the Swoosh in their biggest moments, so joining the Nike family is a dream realized,” said Anna Leigh Waters.

“We are going to push the boundaries of what’s possible in pickleball through this partnership."

Pics or it didn't happen.

ALW x Nike: https://t.co/HqW0L3LRZT via @Pickleball pic.twitter.com/E3YvzP9Us0
— Alex E. Weaver (@alexeweaver) January 13, 2026

The partnership follows a record-breaking 2025 for Anna Leigh Waters: she earned her 181st gold medal and secured her 39th career triple crown, cementing her status as the most decorated Anna Leigh Waters pickleball player the sport has ever seen.

"Nike is the gold standard in performance and I can’t wait to step onto the court representing a brand that believes in the same relentless pursuit of greatness that drives me every day," Waters added.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Anna Leigh Waters the first Nike pickleball athlete?

Yes. Anna Leigh Waters is the first-ever pickleball athlete to join Nike's elite global roster, as confirmed in Nike's official announcement. The deal covers long-term apparel and footwear, with Waters competing exclusively in Nike gear across all professional events starting at PPA Masters.

What is included in Anna Leigh Waters' Nike deal?

The Nike deal covers performance apparel and footwear, with Waters representing the brand at every professional tournament she competes in. The partnership is designed to bring Nike's signature innovation and style to the pickleball court, building on Anna Leigh's status as the sport's most prominent athlete.

Does Anna Leigh Waters also have a paddle deal?

Yes. Just days before the Nike announcement, Anna Leigh Waters signed a long-term paddle deal with Franklin Pickleball, widely reported as the sport's first $10 million deal. Her signature paddle, the Aurelius, has already been approved for pro play, making her one of the most commercially sponsored athletes in pickleball history.

What has Anna Leigh Waters achieved in professional pickleball?

Anna Leigh Waters has earned 181 gold medals and 39 career triple crowns, making her the most decorated player in the sport's history. Her 2025 season was considered one of the most dominant runs in professional pickleball to date.

What does the Nike deal mean for pickleball?

Nike signing Anna Leigh Waters signals that the sport has reached a level of mainstream commercial legitimacy that major global brands now want to be part of. As the first Nike pickleball athlete, Waters becomes a gateway for the brand into one of the fastest-growing sports in America, and her partnership sets a precedent for future high-profile sponsorship deals across the sport.