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3h ago

Nike Signs No. 1 Pickleball Star Anna Leigh Waters in First Deal for the Sport

The signing marks Nike’s formal entry into pickleball during its turnaround push under CEO Elliott Hill.

Anna Leigh Waters returns a ball during the Women's Pro doubles gold medal match at the Minto U.S. Open Pickleball Championships at East Naples Community Park in Naples, Florida, on May 3, 2025. She and her mother, Leigh Waters, won the match.
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Overview

  • Waters becomes the first professional pickleball athlete on Nike’s global roster, with a head-to-toe deal covering all events and an ambassador role.
  • The agreement’s financial terms were not disclosed, though a representative described it as multi-year.
  • She will debut Nike apparel and footwear at the Carvana Masters in Rancho Mirage this week.
  • The 18-year-old holds No. 1 rankings in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles with 181 gold medals and 39 triple crowns.
  • The signing follows her new paddle partnership with Franklin Sports and comes as Nike targets pickleball during a broader turnaround under CEO Elliott Hill.