Pickleball phenom Anna Leigh Waters has signed an apparel and footwear deal with Nike.
Courtesy: Nike/Anna Leigh Waters
Nike has signed a deal with No. 1-ranked pickleball player Anna Leigh Waters, making her the first pickleball athlete to join Nike’s roster.
While the terms of the deal were not disclosed, Waters will represent Nike for both apparel and footwear across all of her events and professional tournaments. The 18-year-old will also serve as a global pickleball ambassador for Nike. She previously had an apparel and footwear deal with Fila that expired in 2025.
Pickleball has seen explosive growth in recent years, but up until now, Nike has been slow to jump on the trend. The company is currently in the midst of a turnaround plan under new CEO Elliott Hill after lagging sales and a stock slump.
The new partnership caps off a record-breaking year for Waters. She is currently ranked No. 1 in women’s singles, doubles and mixed doubles, with a record 181 gold medals and 39 career triple crowns (winning singles, doubles and mixed doubles at one event). Waters’ pickleball career began in 2019, when she became the youngest pro pickleball player at the age of 12.
Anna Leigh Waters hits a forehand drive shot against Megan Fudge and Jillian Braverman during the 2025 US Open Pickleball Championships Pro Womens Doubles gold medal match at the East Naples Community Park on in Naples, Florida, May 3, 2025
Bruce Yeung | Getty Images Sport | Getty Images
“Growing up, I watched my idols wear the Swoosh in their biggest moments, so joining the Nike family is a dream realized,” Waters in a statement. “Nike is the gold standard in performance and I can’t wait to step onto the court representing a brand that believes in the same relentless pursuit of greatness that drives me every day.”
Last week, Waters announced she was switching paddle companies and joining Franklin Sports. Waters also has deals with major brands including Delta Air Lines, DoorDash and Ulta Beauty. She currently makes $2 million annually from the United Pickleball Association, according to a person familiar with Waters’ earnings, who asked to remain anonymous to speak about nonpublic matters.
Her new Nike partnership will debut this week as she competes at the Carvana Masters in Rancho Mirage, California, according to a representative for Waters.
