The Philippines is serving up a major moment for pickleball as global sports brand Franklin Sports names Manila as the first stop of its Franklin Asia Pickleball Showcase this October 2026, bringing world No. 1 Anna Leigh Waters (ALW) to the country as the sport continues its explosive local growth.
The multi-nation showcase will kick off in Manila before moving on to Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Vietnam, giving Filipino players and fans a rare opportunity to see ALW—widely regarded as the most dominant athlete in professional pickleball—demonstrate her high-octane skills in person.
Franklin’s decision to open the showcase in the Philippines comes as the country records a staggering 1,213% year-over-year growth rate, making it the fastest-growing pickleball market in the world and a key priority in the brand’s global expansion.
“As a world leader in pickleball, Franklin is committed to developing the sport and bringing players the very best products and innovation. It’s even more special to have Anna Leigh, the game’s greatest player, competing with and showcasing Franklin products that she trusts at the highest level,” said Jared Franklin, Head of International at Franklin Sports.
“This visit reflects Franklin’s commitment to supporting the growth of pickleball on a global scale. We’re thrilled to connect with the incredible pickleball community in the Philippines and to play a part in the continued growth of this amazing sport.”
As an industry pioneer, Franklin Sports supplies equipment trusted by elite professionals who have collectively won 105 medals year to date on the PPA and APP Pro Tours, including Hayden Patriquin, Paris Todd, Will Howells, Jimmy Liong, Sofia Sewing, Casey Diamond, Megan Fudge, and Ryler DeHeart.
The Manila showcase will also give fans a closer look at Franklin’s latest innovations, including a mystery paddle teased by ALW in a September 2 Instagram post featuring her in front of her Times Square LED billboard. The all-black paddle, marked with a bold white “?”, is the same paddle she used to win the Major League Pickleball (MLP) finals and is expected to precede a new Franklin paddle launch.
Also in the spotlight will be the Franklin X-40 ball, which holds more than 75% of the North American market and serves as the official ball of the Maharlika Pilipinas Pickleball Tour, Franklin US Open Pickleball Championships, APP Tour, Pickleball Slam, USA Pickleball, and more than 1,000 other tournaments worldwide.
Franklin also plans to introduce the X-44, an all-new faster-playing ball endorsed by ALW, near the turn of the year.
Filipino players can access Franklin paddles, balls, bags, footwear, and accessories through local retail partners including Decathlon, Toby’s Sports, Chris Sports, and Juego PH, among others.
Details on the Manila venue, schedule, and fan activities will be announced in the coming weeks through Franklin Pickleball on Facebook and Instagram.
