Pro Paddle Sponsorship Shake-Up: Multiple Stars Switch Brands Ahead of 2026

A cascade of sponsorship moves among top pros has reshuffled paddle lineups just ahead of the 2026 season, with direct consequences for the gear amateur players use and retailers stock. High-profile signings and departures mean new signature models, altered demo pools at clubs, and fresh marketing pushes that often drive sales and tech talk at the local court.

Anna Leigh Waters completed a high-profile shift away from Paddletek to Franklin after an earlier announcement in January. Other notable moves include Dekel Bar from JOOLA to 11SIX24, Eric Oncins from JOOLA to Engage, Rachel Rohrabacher from Selkirk to Friday Pickleball, Chris Haworth from Babolat to Luzz, Gabe Tardio from PIKKL to Facolos, and Blaine Hovenier joining Six Zero. Paddletek also added Riley Newman, Zane Navratil and Connor Garnett to its roster. These changes span a wide range of playing styles and ranking levels, so the technical and marketing fallout will touch both power and finesse players.

On January 22, 2026, a running roundup consolidated these roster shifts into a single snapshot of the pro-level equipment market. For amateur players that means several practical outcomes: expect new pro-endorsed paddles to appear in spring product lines; demo pools at clubs and pro shops to rotate as brands supply player models; and tournament vendor tents to showcase fresh signatures and colorways. Changes in sponsorship also often precede athlete-driven product launches - updated face materials, adjusted core specs, and tweaked weight distributions that aim to match each pro’s on-court tuning.

Retailers and club directors should prepare for increased customer questions and demo demand. If you buy a paddle based on a favorite pro’s endorsement, verify the model’s specs and try a demo rather than assuming continuity in construction or feel. Local shops may carry limited runs of signature models, so timing a purchase to demo days or vendor events can help you compare new options against older models.

For brands, the signings represent strategic repositioning. JOOLA lost several players and will need counter-programming, while Paddletek’s roster boost could translate into broader market visibility. Smaller labels like Facolos and 11SIX24 gain cachet when recognized players switch sponsors, which can accelerate awareness among club players and collectors chasing the latest pro tech.

This shake-up is likely not the last before the 2026 season settles. Watch for official paddle releases, demo circuits, and pro social channels to reveal exact specs and availability. For players who follow gear as closely as line calls, these moves will shape what you play, what you test, and what shows up at the courtside table.