What’s the Score?
Austin, USA – A quiet but seismic shift has occurred in the digital landscape of professional pickleball, signalling the potential end of one of the sport’s most iconic partnerships. Anna Leigh Waters, the world’s top-ranked female player, has been completely removed from the website of her longtime sponsor, Paddletek. While no official press release has been issued, the total scrubbing of her name and image from the company’s online presence has all but confirmed rumours of a split.
Hit it deeper!
For years, Waters has been the undisputed “poster child” of Paddletek. However, astute observers noticed this week that she is no longer listed on the homepage, the “Team Paddletek” roster, or any promotional banners. The most telling detail is the state of her signature product: the Bantam ALW-C paddle. While the paddle remains available for purchase, Waters’ name and likeness have been stripped from the product page, leaving the equipment orphaned from its star endorser.
This digital erasure arrives amidst a swirl of speculation that Waters is negotiating a “blockbuster deal” with rival manufacturer JOOLA. While these reports remain unconfirmed, the silence from both the Waters camp and Paddletek is deafening. The industry is currently in a holding pattern, waiting to see where the sport’s most dominant female athlete will land for the 2026 season.
The World Pickleball Verdict
This development represents a major maturation point for the business of pickleball. In previous years, sponsorships were often informal or long-term based on loyalty. The apparent departure of Waters from Paddletek—likely for a more lucrative contract with a giant like JOOLA—mirrors the high-stakes transfer markets of global football or the NBA.
If Waters does sign with JOOLA, it would consolidate an immense amount of star power (alongside Ben Johns) under one roof, potentially creating a monopoly on top-tier talent marketing. For Paddletek, losing the face of the women’s game is a significant blow, forcing them to pivot their brand identity almost overnight. The “clean break” visible on their website suggests that contracts in pickleball are becoming as cutthroat as the action on the court.
Chris Beaumont
Founder and Editor-in-ChiefChris Beaumont is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of World Pickleball Magazine. Chris follows the global game closely, reporting on the latest news, developments, stories and tournaments from all five continents. He also hosts the World Pickleball Podcast, interviewing people at…
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