Tracking major moves across pickleball, tennis, and court technology shaping the industry... Franklin Sports has locked in a long-term partnership with world No. 1 pickleball player Anna Leigh Waters, signaling another milestone in the sport’s rapid professionalization, while CourtsApp debuts its AI-powered platform designed to get players off their screens and onto courts with frictionless booking. Tennis legends Bob and Mike Bryan are stepping into the future of team-based competition as Pulse Partners with INTENNSE, and pickleball’s cultural rise reaches a new level with the launch of Pickleball Kingdom Paddle Battle, the first-ever reality competition series dedicated to the sport.

Plus:

• Nexo named the U.S. ATP 500 Dallas Open’s first-ever Title Partner

• Park Place Technologies has been named the official technology provider to both pro pickleball leagues

INDUSTRY NEWS

Franklin Sports Signs the World’s No. 1 Pickleball Player Anna Leigh Waters to a Long-Term Partnership

Franklin Sports, a leading brand in the sporting goods industry, is proud to announce the signing of pickleball’s number one player, Anna Leigh Waters, to a long-term agreement. As Waters continues to dominate the ranks of both the Pro Pickleball Association (PPA) and Major League Pickleball (MLP), this exciting partnership further elevates Franklin Sports’ presence in the global pickleball landscape. As part of the collaboration, Waters has chosen to compete with new iterations of Franklin’s award-winning C45° Carbon Fiber Paddle technology. The multi-thermoformed C45° carbon weave has firmly established itself as the leading technology on the professional circuit. She will be working closely with Franklin Sports to co-design a signature line of products including pickleball paddles, pickleball bags, and pickleball accessories.

CourtsApp Launches as “The Healthiest App in the World,” Turning Screen Time Into Play Time

CourtsApp, the first AI-powered marketing and booking platform with thousands of courts available at discounted prices, is ringing in the New Year, redefining what App health technology looks like by getting people off their phones and onto the court. CourtsApp helps players instantly find and book open courts for tennis, pickleball, padel, and more — with no membership fees required — removing the friction that keeps people from playing regularly.

TENNIS

Bryan Brothers Join INTENNSE

Bob and Mike Bryan, the most successful doubles team in tennis history, have joined INTENNSE™ as Pulse Partners for the 2026 season, the league announced. As Pulse Partners, the Bryan Brothers will serve in advisory and ambassadorial roles, helping shape team identity and branding. They will also be part owners of their team, support league and team marketing initiatives, and provide guidance to the team coach about the March 13 player draft.

Nexo Becomes First-Ever Title Partner of the U.S. ATP 500 Dallas Open in Multi-Year Deal

Nexo, the digital assets wealth platform, has been named the U.S. ATP 500 Dallas Open’s first-ever Title Partner under a multi-year agreement beginning in 2026, as the company advances its long-term brand strategy through leading global sports properties. The partnership was unveiled in Dallas alongside the debut of the Nexo Dallas Open brand and the resurfacing of two public tennis courts in North Texas. As one of only two ATP 500 tournaments in the U.S. and the country’s sole indoor ATP Tour championship, the Dallas Open places Nexo among a limited group of ATP 500 title partners. 

PICKLEBALL & PADEL

Pickleball Kingdom Launches The First-Ever Pickleball Competition Reality Show

The wait is over! Pickleball Kingdom is launching Season 1 of Pickleball Kingdom Paddle Battle, the first-ever pickleball competition reality series, which premiered on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, on YouTube. The groundbreaking series marks a bold new chapter in sports entertainment, delivering elite competition, real-life stakes, and the electric energy of the world's fastest-growing sport. Each episode delivers explosive rallies, sharp strategy, dramatic momentum swings, and the emotional highs and lows of chasing a dream under pressure. Beyond the scoreboard, the series shines a light on the personalities, friendships, rivalries, and breakthrough moments that emerge when competitors are pushed to their limits. 

Edward Rogers Invests in the Toronto Polar Bears, Part of the Pro Padel League

Zale Turner, the President, CEO, and Founder of the Toronto Polar Bears, announced that Edward Rogers has purchased a minority interest in the team. The Toronto Polar Bears represent Toronto in the North American Pro Padel League’s (PPL) and is the only Canadian franchise. Mr. Rogers is the Executive Chair of Rogers Communications, and is Chair of Rogers Bank, the Toronto Blue Jays, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment and Constantine Enterprises.

Park Place Technologies Announced as Official Technology Partner of Pro Pickleball’s PPA and MLP, Merging Innovation and America’s Fastest-Growing Sport

Park Place Technologies, a global IT infrastructure services firm based in Cleveland, announced that it has been named the official technology partner of both the Professional Pickleball Association (Carvana PPA Tour) and Major League Pickleball (MLP presented by DoorDash). The sponsorship marks a dynamic partnership between an innovative technology organization and one of the nation’s most exciting emerging sports.

Fairgrounds Public Racket Club Officially Opens in Whitby, Marking a New Era for Community Play and Connection

Fairgrounds Public Racket Club has officially opened the doors to its Whitby location, celebrating the milestone with a ribbon-cutting ceremony alongside Mayor Elizabeth Roy, local councillors, community leaders and partners. The opening marks Fairgrounds’ arrival in Durham Region — and the debut of a new kind of public, design-forward space built around movement, social connection, and the fastest-growing sport in North America: pickleball.