Franklin Sports Claims Title Sponsorship of US Open Pickleball

STOUGHTON, Mass. – February 26, 2026 – In a move that underscores pickleball’s meteoric rise from a backyard pastime to a commercial powerhouse, Franklin Sports has been announced as the new Official Title Sponsor of the US Open Pickleball Championships. The multi-year agreement elevates a long-standing partnership to new heights, placing the 80-year-old sporting goods brand at the forefront of the sport’s most prestigious event just as it prepares to celebrate its tenth anniversary.

This landmark deal solidifies Franklin Sports’ deep investment in pickleball, transitioning the company from its role as the tournament's Official Ball supplier since 2016 to its principal partner. The timing is significant, aligning with a period of unprecedented growth for the sport and signaling a new era of corporate confidence in its professional future.

“This partnership reflects our deep commitment to growing the sport at every level and reinforces our long-standing relationship with the US Open Pickleball Championships,” said Adam Franklin, president of Franklin Sports, in a statement. “We’re incredibly proud to step into the role of Title Sponsor as the tournament celebrates its tenth anniversary, a natural next step after many years as the Official Ball and as an ownership partner.”

A Landmark Deal for a Booming Sport

The sponsorship arrives as pickleball continues its reign as the fastest-growing sport in America for the fourth consecutive year. Recent industry data paints a vivid picture of this explosion: an estimated 19.8 million Americans played the sport in 2024, a figure that represents a staggering 311% growth in just three years. Projections show participation climbing to nearly 23 million by mid-2025.

Crucially, the demographics of the sport are shifting. While once considered the domain of retirees, the average player age has dropped to around 35, with the 25-34 age group now representing the largest segment of participants. This broadening appeal has created a vibrant, diverse, and highly engaged market that major brands can no longer ignore. Franklin Sports’ title sponsorship is perhaps the most definitive statement yet that pickleball has graduated to the big leagues of commercially attractive sports.

This investment goes beyond mere marketing; it is a validation of the sport’s infrastructure and professional ecosystem. With the global pickleball market projected to exceed $2.5 billion by 2028, the move by a legacy brand like Franklin is a powerful indicator of long-term economic viability.

Franklin's Calculated Play for Market Dominance

For Franklin Sports, this title sponsorship is not an impulsive leap but the culmination of a deliberate, multi-faceted strategy to dominate the pickleball space. The company’s journey from being the Official Ball provider in 2016 to the title partner a decade later illustrates a textbook case of strategic market penetration.

By establishing its X-40 ball as a staple of the tournament, Franklin built brand trust and recognition from the ground up. This foundation was further strengthened in 2021 when the company signed a multi-year deal with USA Pickleball, making the X-40 the official ball of the sport’s national governing body and aligning on initiatives to grow the game, including a push for its inclusion in the 2028 Summer Olympics.

The company has also been aggressive in securing top-tier talent. In a significant move earlier this year, Franklin signed world number one player Anna Leigh Waters, luring her away from a previous paddle sponsor. The immediate launch of the Anna Leigh Waters C45° Signature Paddle Series, which will be featured prominently at the US Open, demonstrates a nimble product-to-market strategy centered around elite athlete endorsement. Sponsoring a roster of other top pros, including Leigh Waters, Megan Fudge, and Sofia Sewing, further cements the brand's presence on the professional circuit.

The US Open at Ten: Celebrating a Decade of Growth

This partnership provides a powerful boost to the US Open Pickleball Championships as it enters its tenth year. Billed as “The Biggest Pickleball Party in the World™,” the event has grown from its 2016 debut with Minto Communities as its inaugural title sponsor into the sport's signature destination event, drawing thousands of athletes and fans to Naples, Florida, each year.

“We are thrilled to deepen our partnership with Franklin Sports at a milestone moment for The Open,” said Ben Weinberger, president and tournament director of the US Open Pickleball Championships. “Franklin elevated the player experience for years as our Official Ball, and as our new Title Sponsor, they will play a bigger role in delivering an unforgettable 10th anniversary celebration.”

Attendees at the upcoming championships, scheduled for April 11-18, will see this elevated role firsthand. Franklin’s on-site presence will be dramatically expanded, featuring a large retail activation for its latest gear, including the new Waters signature paddle. Giant inflatable Franklin X-40 pickleballs will be stationed throughout the East Naples Community Park venue for photo opportunities, while all registered players will receive complimentary X-40 balls. The brand's presence will also be prominent in the iconic championship court’s VIP lounge, enhancing the premium experience for fans and stakeholders.

The Competitive Landscape of Pickleball Inc.

Franklin’s move does not happen in a vacuum. It is a decisive maneuver in an increasingly competitive and lucrative marketplace. Other major brands have been actively carving out their own territories. Selkirk Sport, for example, has invested heavily in a multi-tiered sponsorship program for players of all levels and has built its own media arm, Selkirk TV, to broadcast pickleball content. Brands like JOOLA, Paddletek, and Engage are also locked in a fierce battle for market share, using athlete endorsements as a primary weapon.

The dynamic nature of this competition is evident in the constant movement of players between sponsors. While Franklin celebrated the acquisition of Anna Leigh Waters from Paddletek, Paddletek recently announced the signing of other top pros, showcasing the high-stakes musical chairs being played for top talent. This intense competition for visibility is driving innovation in equipment and pouring unprecedented resources into the sport.

With over 68,000 courts now available nationwide and an estimated $855 million needed to build the 24,500 new courts required to meet demand, the sport’s physical and commercial infrastructure is expanding rapidly. Franklin's title sponsorship of the US Open is a testament to this growth, setting a new benchmark for corporate partnerships and ensuring the sport's flagship event has the backing to match its global ambition.