Jorja Johnson and JW Johnson competing at the 2025 PPA Lakeland Open.
Jorja Johnson and JW Johnson will be prime sponsorship targets after they announced their split with Franklin Pickleball on Thursday. PPA Tour

Several pros are moving paddle sponsors in 2026. We're tracking where they go

A new year in pro pickleball almost always means new paddle contracts and new paddle sponsors for some of the sport’s top talent.

2026 has been no different so far, so let’s take a look at some notable moves and departures.

The season's biggest move was undoubtedly Anna Leigh Waters switching her paddle sponsor from Paddletek to Franklin, a move that was announced on Jan. 8.


Other Updates

 

 


Stay tuned in to this article as more paddle sponsor news breaks in early 2026.

Related articles

Anna Leigh Waters playing pro pickleball.

Why is Anna Leigh Waters so dominant? Zane Navratil explains

There are countless factors that separate her from the rest of the field.

1 day ago

-
Stands around the pickleball center court.

Which state is America’s most pickleball-obsessed?

The answer just might surprise you.

2 days ago

-
On Thursday at the Shenzhen Open, Grayson Goldin secured his first singles win in professional competition since suffering two strokes in February.

Goldin on first win since stroke: ‘big moment for me’

The 31-year-old took a moment to celebrate his men's singles victory at the PPA Tour Asia Shenzhen Open on social media.

3 days ago

-
Three years after seeing Major League Pickleball live for the first time, Raquel Joseph is now at the helm of one of MLP's most inconic franchises.

Raquel Joseph bringing ‘an operator’s mindset’ to MLP team ownership with New Jersey

The accomplished portfolio entrepreneur seeks to help the 5s build a brand that's bigger than any one season or any one title.

4 days ago

-