Franklin Sports as Title Sponsor of the US Open Pickleball Championships in Landmark Deal
In a move that signals a new chapter for professional pickleball, Franklin Sports has been announced as the Official Title Sponsor of the US Open Pickleball Championships, one of the sport's most prestigious events. The multi-year agreement was confirmed on Thursday, 26 February 2026, and comes just weeks before the tournament kicks off on 11 April in Naples, Florida.
Franklin Sports, a leading brand in the sporting goods industry, will take centre court at the world's most iconic pickleball event through a multi-year agreement that reinforces its commitment to innovation, performance, and expanding access to the game for athletes of all levels.
Source: Franklin Sports
From Official Ball to Title Sponsor: A Decade in the Making
The announcement marks a natural evolution of a relationship that stretches back to the very founding of the tournament. Franklin Sports has served as the longstanding Official Ball of the US Open Pickleball Championships since 2016, meaning the brand has been present on centre court from day one. Stepping into the title sponsorship role as the tournament celebrates its tenth anniversary is, by all accounts, a fitting progression.
Adam Franklin, president of Franklin Sports, spoke to the significance of the moment. "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," he said. "The US Open is not just the premier pickleball event in the world. It is a one-of-a-kind community defined by the energy and passion of its players and fans. We are 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 Milestone Moment for The Open
The 2026 US Open Pickleball Championships will be held from 11 to 18 April at the USOP National Pickleball Center in Naples, Florida. The tournament has grown dramatically since its founding a decade ago. Last year's edition drew more than 55,000 fans and 3,450 players from all 50 states and 40 countries, cementing its reputation as the premier gathering point for the global pickleball community.
Ben Weinberger, president and tournament director of the US Open Pickleball Championships, welcomed the deepened partnership. "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 in Naples for athletes, fans, and the global pickleball community," he said.
What to Expect on the Ground
Franklin Sports is promising a significant on-site presence at this year's championships. Highlights will include inflatable Franklin X-40 pickleballs stationed throughout the host venue for photo opportunities, complimentary X-40 pickleballs in the player welcome bags, and Franklin Sports branding throughout the iconic championship court VIP lounge.
A standout feature of this year's activation will be the debut of the Anna Leigh Waters C45° Signature Paddle Series, which will be available for in-person purchase at an impressive retail activation on site. Waters, widely regarded as the top player in the women's game, signed with Franklin Sports in January 2026 in a partnership framed as a build-with-the-athlete collaboration, involving co-design, testing, and product iteration rather than a straightforward endorsement.
A Star-Studded Pro Roster
Franklin Sports arrives at the 2026 championships with one of the strongest rosters of sponsored athletes in the sport. The brand sponsors top pickleball professionals competing at this year's event, including Anna Leigh Waters, Leigh Waters, Megan Fudge, Sofia Sewing, Casey Diamond, Louis Laville, Aidan Schenk, Mark Dancuart, Ryler DeHeart, and Spencer.
A Brand That Has Grown with the Sport
Franklin Sports is no newcomer to pickleball. The company has been part of pickleball's rise since 2017, when it launched the X-40, now the most widely used ball in the sport and the official ball of USA Pickleball, the APP Tour, and the US Open Pickleball Championships. The brand is also a multigenerational, family-owned business with partnerships spanning Major League Baseball, the NBA, the NFL, the NHL, Major League Soccer, and USA Pickleball, among others.
The title sponsorship announcement positions Franklin Sports firmly at the centre of pickleball's continued ascent into mainstream sports culture. With the sport attracting record participation numbers globally and professional events drawing tens of thousands of spectators, the timing of this deal is hard to overlook.
The Franklin Sports US Open Pickleball Championships begins 11 April 2026 in Naples, Florida. Fans can follow the action at usopenpickleball.com.