Who is the first pickleball player to sign with Nike?

The first pickleball player signed by Nike is Anna Leigh Waters, the current No. 1 ranked player.

How much does Anna Leigh Waters earn annually from pickleball?

Anna Leigh Waters reportedly earns approximately $2 million annually from the United Pickleball Association.

Why is Nike investing in pickleball now?

Nike is investing in pickleball as part of a new strategy to engage with fast-growing sports, aiming to improve sales and stock performance.

Home / Sports / Nike Signs Pickleball Phenom Anna Leigh Waters

Nike Signs Pickleball Phenom Anna Leigh Waters

14 Jan

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Summary

Nike signs top-ranked pickleballer Anna Leigh Waters.
Waters earns $2 million annually from the United Pickleball Association.
Nike seeks growth in up-and-coming sports amid sales slump.

Nike Signs Pickleball Phenom Anna Leigh Waters

Pickleball continues its rapid ascent, with participation soaring by 311% between 2022 and 2024. In a significant development, Nike has officially entered the sport by signing its first professional pickleball athlete, Anna Leigh Waters. The 18-year-old phenom, already a dominant force and ranked No. 1, was previously sponsored by Fila. Waters will now exclusively wear Nike apparel and footwear for her professional engagements.

While the financial specifics of the Nike deal remain undisclosed, it is expected to enhance Waters' already substantial earnings. She turned professional at age 12 and reportedly commands an annual income of approximately $2 million from the United Pickleball Association. Waters is set to debut her new Nike gear at the upcoming Carvana Masters event in Rancho Mirage, California, concluding on January 18. This signing marks a notable shift for Nike, which had previously shied away from pickleball sponsorship.