Good morning, pickleballers!
Nearly the end of the week, and then you can spend your weekend playing the greatest game in the world.
Before we get cracking with today’s pickleball news, the January issue of World Pickleball Magazine is now live and free to read. Explore global stories from Türkiye, Poland, Italy, Japan, India, Pakistan, and more, alongside wider coverage of governance, refereeing, and how the sport is developing worldwide.
If you enjoy it, please share it with your pickleball friends and communities. You can also follow @worldpickleballmagazine on Facebook and Instagram, and listen to the World Pickleball Podcast on Spotify, iTunes, and many other major podcast platforms.
In the latest episode, which you can listen to below, Chris Beaumont speaks to the Picklebros about content creation and their journey in Pickleball.
Here’s the latest pickleball news from around the world.
The Queen of Court Finds New Reign: Anna Leigh Waters Signs Historic Deal with Franklin Sports
Rancho Mirage, California, USA – The most dominant athlete in professional pickleball has officially found a new home. In a move that reshapes the sport’s sponsorship landscape, World No. 1 Anna Leigh Waters announced a long-term partnership with Franklin Sports on Thursday, ending weeks of speculation following her departure from Paddletek. The 18-year-old phenom will debut her new equipment at the upcoming Carvana PPA Masters, wielding a paddle from the brand’s high-performance C45 series.
The decision comes after a seven-year tenure with her previous sponsor, during which Waters cemented her status as the face of the sport. While industry insiders floated competitors like JOOLA and Selkirk as potential landing spots, Franklin secured the partnership with a vision that extends beyond domestic dominance. Waters cited the company’s commitment to international growth as a decisive factor, aligning with her goal to introduce pickleball to new global markets.
“I had an immediate connection with the team and felt like part of the family,” Waters said in a statement. “I have a lot of trust in this partnership and am especially excited to work together on our shared vision for international growth”.
The deal involves more than just a paddle contract. Waters will co-design a signature line of products, including bags and accessories, with her signature paddle slated for pre-order availability on January 16. Early images show Waters using a prototype named the “Aurelius” Latin for golden featuring her personal crown logo on a 12.7mm widebody frame, suggesting a design optimised for power and speed. By signing Waters, Franklin reclaims the top spot in athlete representation, having previously sponsored Ben Johns during his ascent to No. 1, and signals a heavy investment in the sport’s future.
Global Champions Crowned as WPC Masters Series Dazzles in Hainan
Hainan, China – The World Pickleball Championship (WPC) Masters Series concluded on January 7, 2026, showcasing the sport’s rapidly expanding international footprint with a slate of winners from across the Asian continent and beyond. The event, held in the tropical island province of Hainan, brought together elite competitors across various age and skill divisions, highlighting the deepening talent pool in the global game.
In the highly competitive Mixed 50+ 5.0 division, Pini Lee and I Gusti Ngurah Alit Putra Haribawa claimed the top prize, demonstrating veteran precision and strategy. They were flanked on the podium by the duo of Martin Clark and Lin Mei Chuan in second place, with Bo Ouyang and Xiaobao Huang taking home the bronze. The intensity remained high in the Mixed 19+ 5.0 bracket, where Karina Aditya Dwipayani and Hong Kit Wong secured the gold medal, outplaying Katie Morris and Joshua Bright. Sarah Dennehy and Harrison Brown rounded out the top three in this premier open-age category.
The tournament also highlighted rising stars in the intermediate divisions. In the Mixed 35+ 3.5 category, Jiaxiang Yin and Yan Chi emerged victorious, while Thitiphan Subkla and Yenjit Boonchan dominated the Mixed 35+ 4.5 division. Interestingly, Subkla and Boonchan also proved their versatility by securing a bronze medal in the younger Mixed 19+ 3.5 division, which was won by the team of Yujie Mao and Xirui Liu.
These results from “Day 3” of the competition underscore the WPC’s role in fostering cross-border competition. As the Asian pickleball scene continues to mature, the diverse mix of winners in Hainan signals a robust future for the sport in the region.
Olympic Dreams Drive Historic Merger of Japanese Pickleball Federations
Tokyo, Japan – In a landmark development for the sport in Asia, the Pickleball Japan Federation (PJF) and the Japan Pickleball Association (JPA) have formally agreed to merge, creating a single unified governing body. Announced by PJF representative Yuka Takahashi, this strategic consolidation is designed to strengthen national governance and accelerate Japan’s bid to see pickleball included in the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games.
The boards of both organisations have established a joint task force to oversee the transition, ensuring a collaborative unification process that respects the history and values of both entities. By forming a single National Federation (NF), Japan aims to join the forthcoming unified international federation (IF), a prerequisite for Olympic recognition. “We believe this is an important step toward pickleball being designated as an Olympic sport,” noted Quinn Riordan, emphasising the merger’s role in advancing the sport’s mission in Japan.
Beyond high-performance goals, the merger seeks to capitalize on the sport’s recent explosion in popularity across the archipelago. The unified body plans to expand pickleball’s reach as a tool for health, wellness, and community building, ensuring it becomes a lasting fixture in Japanese society. This move is expected to attract greater investment and standardize regulations, creating a sustainable pathway for Japanese athletes to compete on the world stage.
Sacrifice and Heartbreak: Sierra Leone Athlete Sells Land for National Glory
Freetown, Sierra Leone – The stark financial realities facing athletes in emerging pickleball nations were brought into sharp focus this week through the story of Jeremiah Pratt. A dedicated national player for Sierra Leone, Pratt took the extraordinary step of selling his family’s land to fund his team’s participation in the 2024 African Games in Accra, Ghana.
Despite the sport’s growing popularity with approximately 500 active players in the country the Sierra Leone Pickleball Association operates without government funding. Players like Pratt are often forced to rely on personal sacrifices to cover basic necessities such as transportation and equipment. Training conditions remain difficult, with most sessions conducted on shared basketball courts or at Saint Edwards Secondary School in Freetown, the current hub for the sport’s development.
Tragically, Pratt’s sacrifice did not result in a fairytale ending. The Sierra Leone squad was left stranded while travelling to the Games, causing them to arrive late and forfeit their opening match. This incident highlights the significant logistical and financial hurdles that continue to plague the sport’s expansion in West Africa, even as players demonstrate immense passion and commitment. Despite these setbacks, the community remains resilient, with local players now receiving invitations to help introduce pickleball to neighbouring Guinea.
2026 Season Opener: Draws Revealed for Carvana Masters in California
Rancho Mirage, California, USA – The 2026 professional pickleball calendar officially begins next week as the world’s best athletes descend on Southern California for the Carvana Masters powered by Invited. Scheduled to run from January 12 through January 18 at the picturesque Mission Hills Country Club, the event marks the first major stop of the PPA Tour season.
Tournament organisers have released the draws for all five professional divisions, setting the stage for high-stakes competition right out of the gate. Men’s and Women’s Singles, Doubles, and Mixed Doubles brackets have been finalised, promising intense matchups as players look to establish momentum for the year.
This year’s Masters is particularly significant as it serves as the debut venue for several high-profile partnership changes and equipment switches, drawing heightened attention from fans and media alike. Broadcast coverage will begin on Tuesday, January 13, on Pickleballtv, bringing the action to a global audience. As the PPA Tour resumes, all eyes will be on Mission Hills to see who emerges victorious in the season’s curtain-raiser.
Pickleball Business Booms: PPA and MLP Report Record-Breaking 2025 Growth
Dallas, Texas, USA – The business of pickleball is thriving. In a joint announcement on Thursday, the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball (MLP) revealed exceptional year-over-year growth metrics for 2025, underscoring the sport’s rapid commercial ascent. The data points to a surge in revenue, attendance, and media consumption across the board.
The 2025 UPA World Championships set a new benchmark with over 60,000 attendees and more than $1.1 million generated in ticket and hospitality revenue. Viewership numbers were equally impressive, with Pickleballtv logging over 70 million minutes viewed during the championship events alone. On the team side, franchise values have skyrocketed; the LA Mad Drops reached a record valuation of $13 million for a majority stake sale, while the Palm Beach Royals set an expansion record at $16 million.
“Sponsor revenue more than doubled 2024’s total,” the report noted regarding MLP, highlighting a 94% jump in ticket revenue and a 52% increase in attendance for the league. The 2025 MLP Playoffs also saw a massive spike in engagement, with the Finals broadcast on CBS averaging 499,000 viewers the highest viewership for the sport since the merger of the two organisations. With the 2026 season kicking off in January, these figures suggest pickleball has successfully transitioned from a niche pastime to a formidable professional sports industry.
The “Silly Season” Shuffle: Pros Debut New Partnerships for 2026
Rancho Mirage, California, USA – As the 2026 season dawns, the professional pickleball paddock looks significantly different, with a flurry of equipment sponsorship changes shaking up the tour. Beyond the headline-grabbing moves at the very top of the rankings, several key players have announced switches that will see them wielding new paddles at the Carvana PPA Masters next week.
Leading the charge for international players is Yuta Funemizu, Japan’s top-ranked professional, who has signed a deal with Diadem Pickleball. In other significant moves, power player Dekel Bar has parted ways with JOOLA to join 11SIX24, while rising talent Eric Oncins has moved to Engage. The “silly season” also saw several high-profile departures, with Gabe Tardio leaving PIKKL, Rachel Rohrabacher exiting Selkirk, and Chris Haworth ending his run with Babolat.
Even established stars are on the move; Thomas Wilson and Vivienne David have both announced the end of their partnerships with CRBN. As these athletes take the court in Rancho Mirage, fans will be watching closely to see how these equipment changes impact performance in what promises to be a highly competitive year.
Influencers and Icons: The Kitchen Unveils Latest Power 50 Honourees
Austin, Texas, USA – The Kitchen, the world’s largest pickleball community, has released the latest instalment of its “Power 50” list, ranking the most influential figures shaping the sport in 2026. The newest reveal covers rankings #36 through #50, highlighting a diverse mix of investors, innovators, and media personalities who are driving the sport’s “next phase” of growth.
Leading this new batch of honorees at #36 is former NFL quarterback Drew Brees, recognised for his role as an elite athlete turned investor. The list also acknowledges the architects of the sport’s infrastructure, including Steve Kuhn (#41), the founder of Major League Pickleball and DUPR, whose vision was central to the modern pro game.
The rankings emphasize the importance of media and technology in pickleball’s expansion. John Kew (#42) is cited for his influential paddle reviews, while Tim and Ashley Owens (#44) made the list for professionalizing facility operations through their platform, Court Reserve. On the governance and player advocacy front, Zane Navratil (#43) is recognized for his presidency of the UPA Pro Player Committee, and Courtney Johnson (#50) for her work as Director of Team Competition for the UPA. From facility moguls like Jorge Barragan (#45) to global federation leaders like Seymour Rifkind (#47), this cross-section of leaders illustrates the depth of talent working behind the scenes to push pickleball toward the mainstream.
Bollywood Meets Backhands: World Pickleball League Partners with Swiggy Scenes
Mumbai, India – The World Pickleball League (WPBL), India’s premier franchise-based competition, is doubling down on “sportainment” for its second season. The league announced a strategic partnership with Swiggy Scenes as its Official Ticketing Partner, aiming to streamline the fan experience for the upcoming tournament at the Jio World Garden.
Season 2, which kicks off on January 24, promises a festival-like atmosphere that blends high-intensity sport with celebrity glamour. The 13-day event will feature seven teams competing in 120 matches, culminating in a grand finale on February 8. League CEO Gaurav Natekar emphasised that the event is designed to be more than just a tournament. “World Pickleball League Season 2 is about creating an atmosphere where fans come not only for world-class pickleball, but also for the energy, performances, entertainment, and community experience,” Natekar stated.
The season opener will feature a “celebrity owners’ showcase” and live performances, followed by a rematch between last season’s finalists, the Bengaluru Jawans and Pune United, on January 27. By integrating with Swiggy Scenes, a major lifestyle platform in India, the WPBL aims to attract a broader audience, positioning pickleball as a major cultural event in the heart of Mumbai.
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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