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

• Dekel Bar left JOOLA and signed with 11SIX24.
• Eric Oncins left JOOLA and signed with Engage.
• Brandon French announced the end of his partnership with JOOLA.
• Thomas Wilson and Vivienne David announced the end of their partnerships with CRBN, with David also announcing her retirement from professional competition.
• Yuta Funemizu, Japan's top-ranked pickleball pro, signed with Diadem.
• Rachel Rohrabacher left Selkirk and signed with Friday Pickleball.
• Chris Haworth left Babolat and signed with Luzz Pickleball.
• Blaine Hovenier signed with Six Zero.
• Gabe Tardio left PIKKL and signed with Vietnamese company Facolos (Release here).
  Riley Newman, Zane Navratil and Connor Garnett signed with Paddletek.
• Jorja Johnson, JW Johnson, and Julie Johnson parted ways with Franklin.

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