Tracking All the New Pro Paddle Deals in 2026

The start of a new year in professional pickleball brings more than just fresh tournament schedules and eager competitors. It’s become synonymous with a flurry of equipment sponsorship changes, as top players evaluate their partnerships and paddle brands compete aggressively to secure the sport’s biggest names. The 2026 season is proving no different, with several major moves already reshaping the landscape of who plays with what on the professional circuit.

What we’re witnessing is a maturation of the pickleball industry. Just a few years ago, paddle sponsorships were relatively straightforward affairs with modest financial commitments. Today, they represent significant investments for manufacturers and life-changing opportunities for athletes. The competition for elite talent has intensified dramatically, with brands recognizing that having the right player swinging their paddle can translate directly into retail sales and market positioning.

The Anna Leigh Waters Situation: The Biggest Story in Pickleball Equipment

Dominating the conversation around paddle deals is the status of Anna Leigh Waters, whose contract with Paddletek came to an end at the close of 2025. This isn’t just another player changing equipment—this is the sport’s most dominant and marketable athlete becoming a free agent. Waters has redefined what’s possible in professional pickleball, accumulating an unprecedented trophy collection while still in her teens. Her combination of on-court excellence and mainstream appeal makes her the most coveted signing in the sport’s history.

The speculation surrounding her next move has reached fever pitch in pickleball circles. Every practice session is scrutinized, every paddle she tests becomes social media fodder, and industry insiders trade rumors about potential landing spots. Recent sightings have added fuel to the fire, with Waters being spotted testing equipment from Franklin while wearing Nike apparel, suggesting potential partnerships that would represent seismic shifts in the sport’s commercial landscape.

What makes the Waters situation particularly fascinating is what it reveals about pickleball’s growth trajectory. A decade ago, the idea of a paddle deal generating this level of attention would have been unthinkable. Today, it’s front-page news in the pickleball world, with implications that extend far beyond one player’s equipment choice. Where Waters lands will likely influence other players’ decisions, shift market dynamics for paddle manufacturers, and potentially set new benchmarks for sponsorship values across the sport.

The Complete List of 2026 Pro Paddle Changes

While Waters’ situation captures the spotlight, numerous other professionals have been making moves of their own, creating a comprehensive reshuffling of player-brand relationships. Brandon French, a skilled competitor known for his athletic style and court coverage, announced his departure from JOOLA through an Instagram post, leaving fans curious about where one of the tour’s more dynamic players will land next.

Catherine Parenteau, a fan favorite who has consistently performed at the highest levels of the sport, finds herself in an interesting position with her Selkirk contract extending through February. This short-term extension suggests ongoing negotiations, and whether she’ll remain with the brand long-term or explore other options remains an open question. Parenteau’s value as a sponsored athlete extends beyond her tournament results—she’s become one of pickleball’s most recognizable personalities with a substantial social media following.

Chris Haworth made headlines by ending his partnership with Babolat, announcing the decision through social media. Babolat brought serious tennis industry credibility when they entered pickleball, and Haworth was part of their strategy to establish themselves in the sport. His departure raises questions about Babolat’s direction and which players they might target to maintain their presence in professional pickleball.

One of the more intriguing moves involves Dekel Bar joining 11Six24, a pairing that’s been characterized as somewhat unexpected. This unlikely union brings together a talented international player with a brand that’s been aggressively building its roster. Bar’s addition continues 11Six24’s strategy of assembling a diverse team of skilled professionals to elevate their market position.

Eric Oncins announced he’s signed with Engage through an Instagram post, giving the established paddle manufacturer another professional advocate. Engage has long been a significant player in the pickleball equipment space, and adding Oncins reinforces their commitment to maintaining visibility at the professional level.

Gabe Tardio revealed he’s finished with PIKKL via social media, marking another player entering the free agent market. Tardio’s next move will be watched closely as he’s demonstrated considerable skill and has room for continued growth as a professional.

Quang Duong announced through Instagram that he’s leaving Sypik, adding another name to the list of players seeking new equipment partnerships. Duong has shown flashes of brilliance on tour, and his next brand partnership could provide the platform for a breakout season.

Rachel Rohrabacher and Selkirk Sport have parted ways, ending a partnership with one of pickleball’s most established and respected paddle manufacturers. Selkirk has long been a dominant force in the equipment market, and losing Rohrabacher opens up questions about their roster strategy moving forward.

In a particularly notable double move, both Vivienne David and Thomas Wilson announced they’re parting ways with CRBN through a shared Instagram post. CRBN has been one of the sport’s hottest brands in recent years, known for their premium positioning and distinctive paddle designs. Losing two professionals simultaneously suggests a strategic shift either for the players or the brand itself.

New Entrant: Chinese Brand Li-Ning Enters the Market

Adding another layer of intrigue to the 2026 paddle sponsorship landscape is the entry of Li-Ning, a Chinese mega-brand with deep experience in sporting goods, into the U.S. professional pickleball market. This development, covered in detail by Zane in a video, represents a significant moment for the sport’s globalization and commercialization.

Li-Ning isn’t some startup hoping to make a splash—they’re an established athletic brand with substantial resources and experience sponsoring elite athletes across multiple sports. Their decision to invest in American professional pickleball signals their belief that the sport has reached a level of maturity and market potential worth serious investment. For players, this means another well-funded option when considering equipment partnerships. For existing paddle manufacturers, it means increased competition from a company with deep pockets and international infrastructure.

The timing of Li-Ning’s entry is particularly strategic, coming during this period of widespread player movement. They have the opportunity to establish relationships with quality professionals who are exploring their options, potentially building a roster quickly rather than having to lure players away from existing contracts. How aggressively they pursue top talent and what kind of financial commitments they’re willing to make will help determine how disruptive their presence becomes in the paddle market.

Understanding Paddle Sponsorships: What This Means for the Average Player

If you’re relatively new to following professional pickleball or you’re a recreational player wondering why all these paddle deals matter, it’s worth stepping back to understand the broader context. At the most basic level, professional players need equipment to compete, and paddle manufacturers want the visibility and credibility that comes from having successful athletes using their products. It’s a mutually beneficial relationship that exists across all sports.

What makes pickleball unique is how directly these professional endorsements influence purchasing decisions among recreational players. Unlike some sports where professional equipment differs significantly from what consumers can buy, in pickleball, you can often purchase the exact same paddle model that your favorite pro uses. This creates a powerful marketing dynamic where a player’s success on tour can translate quickly into retail sales.

The financial arrangements in these sponsorships vary widely. Top players like Anna Leigh Waters can command significant guaranteed payments, often in the six or seven-figure range annually, plus bonuses for tournament performances and sales-based incentives. Mid-tier professionals might receive more modest cash payments but get free equipment and apparel, along with bonuses tied to results. Newer pros might simply get free paddles and the right to say they’re sponsored, which still provides value in building their personal brand.

For paddle companies, these investments are calculated business decisions. They’re evaluating not just a player’s current ranking and win totals, but their marketability, social media following, personality, and trajectory. A charismatic player with a growing fanbase might be more valuable than a slightly higher-ranked player who keeps a lower profile. Companies are essentially betting that the exposure and sales generated by associating with certain players will exceed what they pay in sponsorship fees.

The timing of these deals matters too. Many sponsorship contracts are structured to expire at year-end, which is why we see this flurry of activity in late December and early January. It allows players to finish a season with one brand and start fresh with another, avoiding mid-season transitions that could be disruptive. It also creates this concentrated period of news and speculation that generates substantial attention for the sport.

What These Moves Tell Us About Pickleball’s Evolution

Stepping back from individual deals, the sheer volume of player movement in 2026 reveals several important trends about professional pickleball’s development. First and most obviously, there’s serious money flowing into equipment sponsorships now. Brands aren’t just offering players free paddles anymore—they’re making substantial financial commitments that reflect pickleball’s commercial growth. This elevation in sponsorship values creates opportunities for athletes to earn meaningful income from their paddle deals, not just prize money.

Second, we’re seeing increased competition among manufacturers. The market isn’t dominated by two or three major brands with everyone else fighting for scraps. Instead, there’s a robust ecosystem of paddle companies, each with different strategies for building their brand through player sponsorships. Some focus on signing as many pros as possible to create broad visibility. Others pursue a more selective approach, targeting a few high-profile athletes and investing heavily in those relationships. The entry of a major international brand like Li-Ning only intensifies this competition.

Third, players are becoming more strategic and business-savvy about their equipment partnerships. The days of loyalty-based, below-market deals are fading. Athletes recognize their value and are willing to explore options when contracts expire. They’re thinking not just about immediate compensation but about long-term fit, brand trajectory, equipment quality, and how a partnership positions them for future opportunities. Some players are even working with agents or advisors to navigate these negotiations.

Fourth, the increased movement suggests that many initial partnerships weren’t optimal fits. As pickleball has professionalized rapidly, players and brands sometimes entered agreements before either party fully understood what they needed from the relationship. Now, with more experience and clearer market valuations, both sides are making corrections. A player who signed as an unknown and has since elevated their game wants to be compensated accordingly. A brand that invested heavily in a player who hasn’t delivered expected results might not renew at the same level.

The Impact on Paddle Innovation and Development

These sponsorship dynamics don’t just affect marketing—they influence product development too. When a brand signs a top professional, they’re not just buying endorsement rights; they’re getting access to elite-level feedback about paddle performance. Professional players spend countless hours on court and can provide nuanced insights about feel, power, control, and durability that recreational players simply can’t match.

Many paddle companies work closely with their sponsored pros during the development process, creating signature models or making design modifications based on player input. When a player switches brands, they often want to recreate elements they liked from their previous paddle while potentially improving on aspects they found lacking. This drives innovation as companies work to meet the specific demands of world-class athletes.

The competitive pressure of sponsorships also pushes manufacturers to stay current with evolving standards and regulations. USA Pickleball regularly updates their equipment specifications, and brands need to ensure their paddles remain compliant while maximizing performance within the rules. Having input from professionals who compete under these regulations helps companies navigate this complex landscape.

Looking Ahead: What to Watch For

As 2026 unfolds, several storylines will be worth monitoring. Obviously, where Anna Leigh Waters ultimately lands will be the biggest equipment news of the year, potentially of the decade. Her decision will likely reset market expectations for what the sport’s top players should earn from paddle sponsorships and could trigger additional movement as other brands and players reassess their situations.

How Li-Ning approaches the American market will be fascinating to watch. Do they pursue a volume strategy, signing numerous players to build visibility quickly? Or do they focus on a few marquee names to make a statement? Their success or struggle in penetrating an established market will provide lessons for other international brands considering entering American pickleball.

The players currently without announced deals—French, Parenteau if her extension doesn’t lead to a long-term arrangement, Haworth, Tardio, Duong, Rohrabacher, David, and Wilson—represent ongoing storylines. Where each lands will shape the competitive landscape both on court and in the marketplace. Some might sign with established brands looking to refresh their rosters. Others might take chances on newer companies offering attractive financial terms or unique partnership opportunities.

We should also watch for innovation in deal structures. As the market matures, we might see more creative arrangements beyond simple cash-plus-equipment deals. Equity stakes in paddle companies, profit-sharing agreements, signature product lines with royalties, or multi-brand partnerships that separate paddle from apparel sponsorships could all emerge as players and their representatives seek maximum value.

Why This Matters Beyond the Pros

Even if you’re a recreational player who will never compete professionally, these sponsorship dynamics affect your experience of the sport. The paddles you see in stores, the ones that get reviewed and recommended, the innovations that trickle down to mid-range price points—all of this is influenced by what happens at the professional level.

When a top pro signs with a brand and helps develop a new paddle model, that technology and design thinking often influences that company’s entire product line. The research and development investment justified by professional sponsorships benefits recreational players too. The increased competition among brands driven by fighting for pro endorsements creates better options and often better prices for consumers.

Moreover, following these sponsorship stories creates connection points between fans and players. When you choose to play with the same paddle as your favorite pro, you’re participating in the sport’s culture and supporting both that athlete and that brand. These relationships between players, equipment, and fans create the commercial ecosystem that allows professional pickleball to grow and thrive.

The 2026 paddle sponsorship landscape is still taking shape, with several major questions unresolved and undoubtedly more surprises to come. What’s already clear is that professional pickleball has reached a level of commercial maturity where equipment deals are significant business transactions that command serious attention. As the year progresses and players begin competing with their new equipment, we’ll see how these partnerships translate to on-court performance and market impact.