- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Rancho Mirage Today
By the People, for the People
Nike Signs Pickleball Prodigy Anna Leigh Waters
The 18-year-old world No. 1 becomes the first pickleball athlete to join Nike's roster.
Apr. 10, 2026 at 3:48am
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
A dynamic, cubist-inspired illustration captures the explosive energy and rapid movements of a high-stakes pickleball match, reflecting the sport's rapid rise and Nike's strategic partnership with a rising young star.Rancho Mirage TodayNike has signed 18-year-old pickleball sensation Anna Leigh Waters, making her the first pickleball athlete to join the brand's elite roster. The partnership comes at a pivotal moment for both Waters, who is the current world No. 1 in women's singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, and Nike, which is looking to capitalize on the sport's rapid growth.
Why it matters
This deal positions Nike to make a bold move into the fast-growing pickleball market, which has seen explosive popularity in recent years. For Waters, joining the Nike brand could help further elevate her profile and cement her status as a rising star in the sport.
The details
The partnership will see Waters represent Nike in both apparel and footwear across all her events and professional tournaments. She will also serve as a global pickleball ambassador, helping to expand Nike's presence in the sport. Waters' previous deal with Fila expired in 2025, paving the way for this new partnership with Nike.
- Waters, a 12-year-old prodigy, began her meteoric rise in pickleball in 2019.
- Waters' previous deal with Fila expired in 2025.
- The partnership with Nike was announced in April 2026.
The players
Anna Leigh Waters
An 18-year-old pickleball prodigy who is currently ranked No. 1 in women's singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, with 181 gold medals and 39 career triple crowns.
Nike
A leading global sportswear brand that has made a strategic move to capitalize on the growing popularity of pickleball by signing its first pickleball athlete, Anna Leigh Waters.
Elliott Hill
The new CEO of Nike, who is leading the company's turnaround plan to boost sales and recover from a stock slump.
What they’re saying
“Growing up, I watched my idols wear the Swoosh in their biggest moments, so joining the Nike family is a dream realized.”
— Anna Leigh Waters, Pickleball Athlete
What’s next
Waters is set to debut her new Nike partnership at the Carvana Masters in Rancho Mirage, California, where the sports world will be watching to see the impact of this collaboration.
The takeaway
This partnership between Nike and pickleball prodigy Anna Leigh Waters represents a strategic move by the sportswear giant to capitalize on the rapid growth of pickleball and cement its presence in the sport. For Waters, joining the Nike brand could help further elevate her profile and cement her status as a rising star in the sport.
