2026, Full Steam Ahead

RADL Wire | Looking Ahead to 2026

Tennis and pickleball continue their high-velocity march into 2026, with major brands and governing bodies shaping the future of racquet sports on the global stage. This week, Nitto renewed its title sponsorship of the ATP Finals through 2030, solidifying one of tennis’s most influential commercial partnerships, while DRYWORLD made a bold move into pickleball by aligning with EPIC’s new world championship platform. Stateside, Major League Pickleball wrapped its season with the MLP Cup in Dallas—highlighted by standout performances from college and junior All-Star squads, including 14-year-old sensation Tama Shimabukuro. And in the world of sports fashion, BOAST, the original American tennis brand, is set for a high-profile showcase in “The Retreat” at the 2026 PGA Show. It’s a big week across the racquet landscape, and RADL Wire has you covered.

• Boast to be featured in “The Retreat”

• Nitto Extends Title Partnership with ATP Finals

• DRYWORLD Taps Into Pickleball’s Global Boom

• The Secret Code of Padel

APPAREL IN PLAY

Boast, the Original American Tennis Brand, to Be Featured in “The Retreat” at the 2026 PGA Show

With racquet sports continuing to make waves at the annual PGA Show, BOAST—the original American tennis brand—will debut an all-new presence in “The Retreat,” an exclusive area dedicated to lifestyle and sport brands. The immersive booth experience will spotlight BOAST’s rich tennis heritage, premium design, and unmistakable American attitude. As the PGA Show continues to embrace the growth of racquet sports, BOAST’s elevated presence underscores the brand’s role in shaping a new era for multi-sport enthusiasts—welcoming new players to the game while kindling nostalgia for those who remember tennis at its most iconic.

Swinton Pickleball Serves Up a Friendly Reminder: Stock Up on Custom Pickleball Bags Before Year-end

Swinton Pickleball, a leading innovator in premium pickleball gear and apparel, is serving up a friendly reminder to country clubs nationwide: secure inventory of the company’s best-selling pickleball sling bags and pickleball tote bags branded with your country club (or event) logo before the close of 2025. As pickleball continues its rapid growth as America’s fastest-growing sport, country clubs are seeing unprecedented demand for stylish, functional gear. Swinton Pickleball’s sling and tote bags are known for their modern, light weight design, durability, and personalization options. These neoprene bags have become a favorite among players seeking both performance and style on the court.

INDUSTRY NEWS

Nitto Extends Title Partnership with ATP Finals Through 2030

In a move that reinforces its global brand ambitions, Nitto Denko Corporation has extended its partnership with the ATP for an additional five years, securing its role as Title Partner of the Nitto ATP Finals through 2030. The announcement, reported in a recent company press release, underscores Nitto’s long-term alignment with one of the most prestigious and sustainability-focused events in professional tennis.

Nitto first attached its name to the season-ending championship in 2017, elevating its presence on the world stage as the sport’s top eight singles players and doubles teams. The tournament will remain in Italy through 2030 in partnership with the ATP and the Italian Tennis and Padel Federation (FITP).

14-year-old Tama Shimabukuro shines in MLP debut

The 14-year-old from Hawai‘i is no stranger to headlines in the pro scene. In his last PPA tournament, Shimabukuro and 16-year-old Andre Mercado took down seasoned players Chris Haworth and Armaan Bhatia. This weekend, Tama’s athleticism and strategic playmaking were on full display in his MLP debut. Although the All-Star Junior Team did not end up winning the match, Shimabukuro proved to be a star in the making that will be a valuable addition to any MLP team next season.

DRYWORLD Taps Into Pickleball’s Global Boom With Multi-Year EPIC Partnership

In a move that underscores pickleball’s accelerating rise on the world stage, DRYWORLD Brands Inc. has signed a multi-year agreement to become the Official Fashion, Technical, and Apparel Partner of the Elite Pickleball International Championship (EPIC). The partnership, announced by the company, positions DRYWORLD at the center of what many analysts view as the most powerful participation-sport wave in a generation.

Under the deal, DRYWORLD will supply co-branded apparel, footwear, accessories, and fanwear for EPIC’s global amateur ecosystem, including players competing in the inaugural EPIC World Championship, scheduled for April 2026 in Singapore. EPIC’s debut championship aims to redefine the amateur pickleball landscape, offering one of the largest prize purses in grassroots competition. 

HOT OFF THE PRESS

The Secret Code of Padel by Marcos Del Pilar

Marcos del Pilar, known as the “Godfather of Padel in the USA,” is a trailblazer in the world of Padel and a passionate advocate for the sport. With over 30 years of experience as an entrepreneur and global Padel consultant, he has established Padel as a sustainable, long-term business and vibrant community in North America.

“The Secret Code of Padel” is more than just a guide to Padel; it’s a roadmap for success in life and business. Marcos del Pilar’s book combines his passion for Padel with powerful lessons drawn from his personal journey as a revolutionary force in the sport’s growth in the United States.

The Secret Code of Padel combines memoir, industry insight, and entrepreneurial strategy into a single, purpose-driven volume. Readers are taken behind the scenes of the sport’s American evolution from alliances with USTA and RSPA to the launch of many Padel ventures, including the first-ever Padel World Championship on U.S. soil. LEARN MORE