Global pickleball giant Franklin Sports has officially named the Philippines as the first stop of its highly anticipated Franklin Asia Pickleball Showcase this October 2026.
The multi-nation showcase will kick off in Manila before continuing to Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Vietnam.
The Manila leg will feature an exclusive appearance by Franklin’s star athlete, Anna Leigh Waters, the world No. 1 player and one of the most dominant athletes in professional pickleball. Local fans and the fast-growing Filipino pickleball community will have a rare opportunity to watch ALW showcase the high-octane skills that have made her a dominant force on the global tour.
The Philippines’ selection as the showcase’s first destination reflects the country’s emergence as a major market in the rapidly growing sport. With a staggering 1,213% year-over-year growth rate, the Philippines currently stands as the fastest-growing pickleball market in the world, making it a key priority in Franklin Sports’ global expansion plans.
(C) Franklin Sports
“We are honored and excited to bring our Franklin Asia Pickleball Showcase to the Philippines,” said Jared Franklin, Head of International at Franklin Sports. “The Philippines is one of the fastest-growing pickleball markets in the world, and we couldn’t be prouder to bring the No. 1 player in the world, Anna Leigh Waters, to Manila.
“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. 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 produces premium equipment trusted by elite professionals around the world. Its athletes have 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, among others.
During the Showcase, Filipino fans will also get an up-close look at Franklin’s latest innovations.
The event comes shortly after ALW’s viral September 2 Instagram post in front of her Times Square LED billboard in New York City, where she posed while holding an all-black paddle featuring a bold white “?” graphic.
The mystery paddle serves as a global teaser for Franklin’s upcoming paddle launch and was the paddle ALW used when she won the Major League Pickleball (MLP) finals.
Attendees will also see the legendary Franklin X-40 ball in action, which is widely regarded as the global gold standard for the sport. Holding more than 75% of the market share in North America, the X-40 serves as the official ball of Filipino legend Manny Pacquiao’s Maharlika Pilipinas Pickleball Tour (MPPT), as well as the Franklin US Open Pickleball Championships, APP Tour, Pickleball Slam, USA Pickleball, and more than 1,000 additional tournaments worldwide.
Franklin also revealed plans to introduce an all-new, faster-playing ball endorsed by ALW near the turn of the year. The new ball will be called the X-44.
Filipino players can access Franklin’s full range of paddles, balls, bags, footwear, and accessories nationwide through leading local retail partners, including Decathlon, Toby’s Sports, Chris Sports, and Juego PH, among others.
Full details regarding the Manila leg’s venues, schedule of play, and fan interaction opportunities will be released in the coming weeks through Franklin Pickleball’s Facebook and Instagram accounts, @franklinpickleball.
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