World number 1 Anna Leigh Waters withdraws from the Paddletek website: towards a new paddle contract in 2026?

World pickleball champion Anna Leigh Waters , currently ranked No. 1 in the world among women, is making headlines again: her name and image have been removed from the official website of paddle manufacturer Paddletek , sparking numerous rumors about a possible change of sponsor at the start of the 2026 season. 

A separation that has sparked reactions in the pickleball world.

For several months, rumors had been circulating behind the scenes in professional pickleball suggesting that Anna Leigh might not renew her partnership with Paddletek . These speculations intensified when her name disappeared from all team and product sections of the Paddletek website , including the pages dedicated to paddles where her signature and image had previously been displayed. 

Even though the Bantam ALW-C paddleboard , associated with her name for several years, remains on sale, Anna Leigh's media and marketing presence on the site is no longer visible. This withdrawal suggests that the collaboration between the player and Paddletek is, at the very least, on hold or being reviewed as the next season approaches. 

Rumors of a new deal for 2026

Speculation is rife in the pickleball world. Some fans and analysts believe that Anna Leigh could sign with another big name in equipment , such as JOOLA, or that she is negotiating an even more lucrative contract combining a paddle and complete equipment, a real “blockbuster deal” according to rumors. 

Other online discussions even suggest that her name could one day be associated with an emerging brand or a personalized lifestyle brand , making her an ambassador not only for a paddle, but for a true sport and lifestyle identity, and who knows… maybe even with a touch of The Pickleballer if the stars align 😉!

Why this change could be strategic

For a player of Anna Leigh Waters' caliber, who has won hundreds of tournaments and made a splash worldwide since a young age, a change of sponsor can be more than just a change of equipment . It can be a way to:

• Redefining one's professional image as a global athlete.
• Increase media exposure through a broader contract (paddleboarding + clothing + content).
• Take advantage of the explosive growth of pickleball in 2025-2026, a period which sees more and more brands investing in the sport. 

This approach is part of a broader movement where the best pickleball players become true ambassadors for brands in the sports and lifestyle world — a natural step in the evolution of the sport towards a professionalized and internationally publicized discipline .

A name that carries weight in the industry

Anna Leigh Waters is not just an athlete: she has become an iconic figure in the world of pickleball .
Born in January 2007, she started playing at a very young age and quickly rose through the ranks to become the best player in the world, winning titles in singles, doubles and mixed doubles. 

Her ability to attract the attention of fans, media and sponsors makes her a sought-after personality and an influential force for any brand wishing to establish or strengthen itself in the world of pickleball. 

Conclusion: An exciting future for Anna Leigh Waters

The removal of Anna Leigh Waters' name from the Paddletek website likely marks the beginning of a new phase in her career, with the possibility of major new partnerships in 2026. Rumors are circulating, fans are speculating… and one thing is certain: the pickleball sponsorship market has never been so dynamic and competitive.

In any case, whether with another major brand or (who knows?) with The Pickleballer, which does high-end personalized sponsorship , the future looks promising for the global pickleball star.