Nike signs pickleball deal with Anna Leigh Waters
CNBC • • sports
Key Points:
- Nike has signed a deal with Anna Leigh Waters, the No. 1-ranked pickleball player, making her the first pickleball athlete to join Nike's roster and serve as a global ambassador for the sport.
- Waters, 18, will represent Nike in apparel and footwear across all her professional events, replacing her previous deal with Fila that expires in 2025.
- The partnership comes as Nike aims to capitalize on the rapidly growing popularity of pickleball amid a company turnaround under CEO Elliott Hill.
- Waters has had a record-breaking year, holding the top rankings in women's singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, with 181 gold medals and 39 career triple crowns since turning pro at age 12.
- Her
