WORLD No. 1 pickleball player Anna Leigh Waters will lead Franklin Sports’ first Asia Pickleball Showcase in Manila next month as the global sporting goods brand expands its presence in the region.
The Philippine capital will serve as the opening stop of the multi-country showcase before the event moves on to Malaysia, Hong Kong and Vietnam.
Waters, widely regarded as one of the leading figures in the sport, will be featured during the Manila leg, giving Filipino pickleball enthusiasts an opportunity to see the American star in action and get a closer look at Franklin Sports’ latest products.
Franklin International Head Jordan Franklin said the Philippines was selected as the opening destination as the sport continues to expand rapidly in the country.
“We are honored and excited to bring our Franklin Asia Pickleball Showcase to the Philippines,” Franklin said. “The Philippines is one of the fastest-growing pickleball markets in the world, and we couldn’t be prouder to bring the no. 1 player in the world, Anna Leigh Waters, to Manila.”
Franklin also highlighted the company’s plans to support the continued development of pickleball in the Philippines.
“As a world leader in pickleball, Franklin is committed to developing the sport and bringing players the very best products and innovation. It’s even more special to have Anna Leigh, the game’s greatest player, competing with and showcasing Franklin products that she trusts at the highest level. This visit reflects Franklin’s commitment to supporting the growth of pickleball on a global scale. We’re thrilled to connect with the incredible pickleball community in the Philippines and to play a part in the continued growth of this amazing sport,” he added.
Waters recently teased Franklin’s upcoming paddle release through an Instagram post showing her holding an all-black paddle with a white question-mark graphic in front of the Times Square LED billboard in New York City.
The paddle is the same one Waters used when she won the Major League Pickleball (MLP) finals.
The Manila showcase will also feature Franklin’s X-40 ball, which the company says has more than 75 percent of the market in North America.
The ball serves as the official ball for several major competitions, including Manny Pacquiao’s Maharlika Pilipinas Pickleball Tour, the Franklin US Open Pickleball Championships, the APP Tour, Pickleball Slam and USA Pickleball events.
Franklin is also preparing to launch the X-44, a new ball designed for faster play, with Waters endorsing the product.
Franklin Sports said additional information on the Manila showcase, including venues, playing schedules and fan activities, will be announced in the coming weeks through Franklin Pickleball’s social media platforms.
Founded by Irving Franklin in 1946, Franklin Sports is a US-based sporting goods company that produces equipment across several sports. Its partnerships include major pickleball, baseball, basketball, football, hockey, volleyball and soccer organizations. (Adrian Co)
