After much speculation, World No. 1 Anna Leigh Waters officially confirmed the rumors: she will be wearing Nike beginning in 2026.

This marks a historic moment for pickleball.

Nike is arguably the most recognizable brand in athletic wear. The iconic Swoosh has been worn by some of the greatest athletes of all time—LeBron James, Serena Williams, Tiger Woods, Kobe Bryant, and Rafael Nadal, to name just a few. As the official apparel partner of major circuits like MLB, the NBA, and the NFL, Nike’s influence in professional sports is undeniable.

Nike is also one of the most popular brands among casual and recreational athletes across virtually every sport. Whether on a court, field, pitch, or track, Nike dominates.

And dominance is exactly what Waters represents in pickleball.

Simply put, the Swoosh carries weight. Its arrival in pickleball, on the sport’s most dominant player, is a watershed moment. Personally, I couldn’t be more excited about what this means for the future of the game.

Waters previously partnered with FILA, and many of those looks were standouts. The brand’s retro ’70s flair—paired with bold, eye-catching colors—suited her well, giving her a polished, country club–chic aesthetic on the court.

Now, with Nike, the fashion possibilities expand dramatically. Given Nike’s massive range of apparel, footwear, and accessories, we’re likely to see Waters showcase a much wider variety of on-court looks.

Outside of events like the PPA Masters, where an all-white dress code applies, Waters will have the freedom to experiment with her court style. Will she lean into a sleek, sportier aesthetic? Think iconic Nike Pro biker shorts in a crisp black-and-white palette. Or perhaps a fit-and-flare athletic dress in a color we’ve never seen her wear before? With Nike’s recent collaboration with SKIMS, could a Nike x SKIMS look be in play? And don’t rule out statement arrivals either. Maybe even Louis Vuitton x Nike Air Force 1s turning heads at tournaments?

The possibilities truly feel endless. Waters already enjoys experimenting with fashion off the court, so watching that creativity translate into her on-court style will be a thrill.

In her initial promotional post, Waters appears in a striking cobalt blue ribbed tank and fitted skirt, paired with a white visor and arm bands. It’s a color we’ve never seen her wear, and it looks absolutely electric on the G.O.A.T. of professional pickleball. And if this look is any indication, it’s only a teaser of what’s to come.

Another element that truly excites me is Nike’s shoe game. The brand is synonymous with footwear, boasting an extensive catalog that feels almost limitless—sneakers in every shape, color, and texture. Nike has long been a trailblazer in shoe design and performance innovation.

At the moment, Nike offers just one women’s pickleball shoe. But with Waters now officially part of the brand, it raises an exciting question: does this partnership signal deeper investment in pickleball-specific footwear? One can only hope. Waters’ influence alone could help push innovation and expansion in this space.

Beyond the fashion and footwear, though, the most powerful aspect of this partnership is what it represents. Waters now joins Nike’s elite roster of professional female athletes. From WNBA phenom Caitlin Clark to track superstar Sifan Hassan, tennis icon Naomi Osaka, Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles, and many more, she’s in extraordinary company.

And she belongs there.

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