Anna Leigh Waters Signs Historic Franklin Sports Deal: Why This Is a $10 Million Pickleball Contract

Main Points

Anna Leigh Waters signs what appears to be the largest contract in pickleball history with Franklin Sports
Financial comparisons to Ben Johns suggest an eight-figure valuation is realistic in today’s market
Explosive growth in pickleball participation supports a major increase in athlete compensation
Franklin’s global pickleball dominance provides unmatched exposure
Paddle continuity plays a key role, with Franklin’s C45 lineup closely matching her previous setup
The deal may signal Franklin’s push to become the official ball of PPA and MLP
Nike rumors remain alive due to the absence of Franklin apparel branding
JW Johnson and Georgia Johnson appear to be entering free agency following Franklin’s shift

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Summary

The announcement that Anna Leigh Waters has signed with Franklin Sports marks a defining moment for professional pickleball. Based on market context, participation growth, and historical athlete contracts, this agreement strongly points to an eight-figure valuation. A projected structure of roughly $3.3 million per year over three years, before incentives, aligns with how elite player compensation has scaled alongside the sport’s rapid expansion.

To frame the magnitude of this deal, comparisons to Ben Johns are useful. He previously told CNBC that he earned approximately $2.5 million in 2024 through a combination of league pay and sponsorships. That figure was achieved when pickleball participation was significantly lower. According to SFIA, U.S. pickleball participation grew from roughly 5 million players at the end of 2021 to nearly 20 million by the end of 2024, not including international growth. While athlete pay does not scale linearly, the expansion of the sport clearly supports much larger contracts for its top stars.

From a performance perspective, Franklin also delivered continuity. Waters will compete with a variation of the Franklin C45 paddle, including the 12.7 mm Aurelius core. That setup closely mirrors the shape and thickness of the paddle she used during her dominant run on tour, minimizing any adjustment period. More importantly, Franklin controls more pickleball ball market share than any other brand. Having Waters’ image on cans distributed worldwide provides exposure that no paddle-only endorsement could match.

This signing may also foreshadow broader changes across the professional landscape. With Franklin already deeply tied to major events, a push to become the official ball of the PPA Tour and MLP would be a logical next step. At the same time, the absence of Franklin logos on Waters’ apparel keeps Nike firmly in the conversation.

Finally, the deal appears to have ripple effects within Franklin’s athlete roster. JW Johnson and Georgia Johnson, once prominent faces of the brand, have been noticeably absent from recent promotions. If Franklin reallocated resources to secure Waters, it is reasonable to assume the Johnson siblings may now be in free agency. Where they land next could significantly reshape sponsorship dynamics across the pro game.

This contract is not just a record-setting payday. It is a clear signal that pickleball has entered a new financial era, with elite athletes now commanding deals that reflect the sport’s explosive growth and global momentum.