Teenage pickleball sensation Anna Leigh Waters has become the sport’s first ever athlete to land a sponsorship deal with Nike.
Waters, the world’s No.1-ranked player in women’s singles, doubles and mixed doubles, will serve as a global pickleball ambassador for the sportswear giant while also promoting its apparel and footwear.
The 18-year-old American previously had a deal with Fila, which expired in 2025 and left her free to sign a lucrative partnership with their powerful competitors.
It comes after a record-breaking year for Waters, who reached a record 181 gold medals and 39 career triple crowns (winning singles, doubles and mixed doubles at the same event) in 2025.
Back in 2019, she became the youngest pro player in history at the age of just 12. Seven years later she is pickleball’s first ever Nike athlete and the top women’s player on the planet.
‘Growing up, I watched my idols wear the Swoosh in their biggest moments, so joining the Nike family is a dream realized,’ Waters said in a statement, via CNBC.
Teenage pickleball sensation Anna Leigh Waters has become the sport’s first ever Nike athlete
Waters, the world’s No.1-ranked player in women’s singles, doubles and mixed doubles, will serve as a global pickleball ambassador for the sportswear giant
The 18-year-old reached a record 181 gold medals and 39 career triple crowns in 2025
‘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.’
The Nike deal is not the only big move Waters has made of late, with the Florida native also switching paddle companies and signing with Franklin Sports earlier this month.
She also boasts partnerships with Delta Air Lines, DoorDash, Ulta Beauty and more, while making an estimated $2million annually from the United Pickleball Association.
Waters is set to debut her new Nike apparel and footwear this week at the Carvana Masters in Rancho Mirage, California.
