Pickleball is fast becoming one of America's favorite pastime activities. Courts are popping up all over the country, and are often so full that people are waiting around to get their turn. So, it's no surprise that Nike has decided to get in on the action.
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The sports and leisure brand has officially signed its first pickleball athlete, as reported by "The Dink Pickleball."
"Tough day for the pickleball haters," The Dink Pickleball reported. Nike just signed its first pickleball athlete, Anna Leigh Waters, unsurprisingly, coming off her 181st gold medal and securing her 39th triple crown. We kind of knew Nike was eyeing pickleball. Pickleball's too big to ignore at this point. They were going to enter the space eventually, and unsurprisingly, they chose the undisputed GOAT, world number one, Anna Leigh Waters."
According to "Shelftrend," the Pickleball industry hit a valuation of $2.2 billion in 2024. There's no argument that it's the fastest-growing sport among Americans. Therefore, it makes sense for sporting brands to start venturing into the space, especially now that it's become so mainstream.
Who Is Pickleball's Anna Leigh Waters?
Known as the greatest female pickleball athlete of all time, Anna Leigh Waters is a 39-time triple crown winner. She has 181 titles under the Professional Pickleball Association. Her awards span the singles, doubles and mixed doubles categories, proving that she's elite regardless of the competition.
"She's been playing since she was 12 years old," The Dink Pickleball continued. "She's risen to the top of the sport, and she's the face of the sport. And it says, under the new partnership, Nike becomes the official apparel and footwear partner of Annalie. She will compete exclusively in Nike performance kits and footwear across every event and professional tournament, bringing the brand's signature innovation and style to the pickleball court."
After signing her contract with Nike, Anna released a statement on her deal with the sports giant.
"Growing up, I watched my idols wear the Swoosh in their biggest moments, so joining the Nike family is a dream realized," she said. "We are going to push the boundaries of what's possible in pickleball through this partnership. 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."
Anna will undoubtedly continue to help drive the sport forward. And, if you're looking for something new to try, now might be the perfect opportunity to test out your pickleball skills, because it's about to take off.
