**BREAKING: Pickleball Star Anna Leigh Waters Signs Groundbreaking \$10.7 Million Handshake Contract with Nike**
In a historic moment for both pickleball and women’s sports, **Anna Leigh Waters**, the world’s top-ranked pickleball player, has signed a **\$10.7 million handshake agreement** with global sportswear giant **Nike**, marking one of the most lucrative deals in the sport’s young history.
The 17-year-old phenom confirmed the groundbreaking agreement during a press appearance on Tuesday morning, alongside representatives from Nike and the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA). The deal, which is centered around long-term brand partnership, product development, and global marketing campaigns, positions Waters as the face of Nike’s entry into the rapidly growing pickleball market.
“I’ve always dreamed of breaking barriers—not just on the court, but in how the sport is seen,” said Waters. “To partner with a brand like Nike is more than just about money or gear—it’s about changing the game. Together, we’re going to bring pickleball to the world.”
The agreement, which began as informal talks at a Nike-hosted athletic summit earlier this year, was sealed with what both parties called a “symbolic and personal handshake,” representing trust and a shared vision rather than just signatures on a paper. Industry insiders suggest the deal includes incentives for performance, outreach programs, and potential future equity opportunities.
Nike, known for its strategic investments in rising stars, sees Waters as more than just a pickleball sensation. According to **Nike VP of Athlete Partnerships**, “Anna Leigh is a movement. Her confidence, competitiveness, and commitment to community align perfectly with our mission. She represents the next generation of fearless female athletes.”
The deal is also seen as a massive step forward for pickleball as a legitimate and commercially viable global sport. What began as a backyard hobby has now evolved into a professional circuit with international tournaments, elite sponsorships, and a rapidly expanding fanbase. Waters has played a pivotal role in that growth, dominating both singles and doubles competition while drawing attention from major broadcasters and sponsors.
Waters’ mother and doubles partner, **Leigh Waters**, spoke emotionally about the deal, saying, “We’ve been on this journey together since day one, just two girls and a paddle. Now Anna Leigh is leading an entire movement—and doing it with grace and courage.”
Fans and athletes alike reacted enthusiastically on social media, with many praising the deal as a win not only for Waters, but for all female athletes and young stars chasing excellence in less traditional sports. Tennis legend **Serena Williams** even posted a congratulatory message: “Huge congrats to Anna Leigh Waters—proof that greatness finds its way, no matter the court.”
As part of the partnership, Waters is expected to launch her own **signature apparel and footwear line** with Nike by early 2026, tailored specifically for pickleball players and inspired by her bold, athletic style.
With this unprecedented deal, Anna Leigh Waters is not only breaking records on the court—she’s rewriting the rules of athlete marketing and making pickleball a force to be reckoned with on the global sports stage.
