Franklin Sports Named Official Title Sponsor of US Open Pickleball Championships

Landmark partnership marks a defining moment in the company's continued growth in the sport.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Franklin Sports, a leading sporting goods brand, has been named the Official Title Sponsor of the US Open Pickleball Championships, a multi-year agreement that reinforces the company's deep commitment to growing the sport at every level. The partnership comes as the tournament celebrates its 10th anniversary, with Franklin Sports also serving as the longstanding Official Ball of the event since 2016.

Why it matters

This sponsorship deal represents a significant milestone for Franklin Sports, solidifying its position as a major player in the rapidly growing pickleball industry. The US Open Pickleball Championships is the sport's signature destination event, drawing athletes and fans from around the world, making it an ideal platform for Franklin to showcase its products and further elevate the profile of pickleball.

The details

In addition to the title sponsorship, Franklin Sports will have an expanded presence at the event, including a retail activation featuring the new Anna Leigh Waters C45° Signature Paddle Series, inflatable Franklin X-40 pickleballs for photo opportunities, and Franklin Sports branding throughout the championship court VIP lounge. Franklin Sports also sponsors several top pickleball pros competing at the US Open.

  • The 2026 US Open Pickleball Championships will be held from April 11 to April 18 in Naples, Florida.
  • Franklin Sports has been the Official Ball of the US Open Pickleball Championships since 2016.

The players

Franklin Sports

A leading brand in the sporting goods industry, founded in 1946 and based in Stoughton, Massachusetts. Franklin Sports has partnerships with various professional sports leagues and is committed to growing the sport of pickleball.

US Open Pickleball Championships

The sport's signature destination event, held annually in Naples, Florida, and celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2026. The event welcomes athletes and fans from around the world for a week of competition across professional, senior professional, amateur, junior, and wheelchair divisions.

Adam Franklin

The president of Franklin Sports, who stated that the partnership reflects the company's deep commitment to growing the sport of pickleball at every level.

Ben Weinberger

The president and tournament director of the US Open Pickleball Championships, who expressed excitement about deepening the partnership with Franklin Sports at this milestone moment for the event.

Anna Leigh Waters

A top pickleball pro who is sponsored by Franklin Sports and will be competing at the US Open Pickleball Championships.

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What they’re saying

“This partnership reflects our deep commitment to growing the sport at every level and reinforces our long-standing relationship with the US Open Pickleball Championships. The US Open isn't just the premier pickleball event in the world; it's a one-of-a-kind community defined by the energy and passion of its players and fans.”

— Adam Franklin, President of Franklin Sports (Business Wire)

“We are thrilled to deepen our partnership with Franklin Sports at a milestone moment for The Open. Franklin elevated the player experience for years as our Official Ball, and as our new Title Sponsor, they will play a bigger role in delivering an unforgettable 10th anniversary celebration in Naples for athletes, fans, and the global pickleball community.”

— Ben Weinberger, President and Tournament Director of the US Open Pickleball Championships (Business Wire)

What’s next

The 2026 US Open Pickleball Championships will be held from April 11 to April 18 in Naples, Florida, marking the 10th anniversary of the event.

The takeaway

This sponsorship deal solidifies Franklin Sports' position as a major player in the rapidly growing pickleball industry, providing the company with a prominent platform to showcase its products and further elevate the profile of the sport as it continues to gain popularity worldwide.