Anna Leigh Waters’ Franklin Aurelius Paddle Earns UPA-A Approval for Pro Play

Franklin Pickleball’s new Aurelius, Anna Leigh Waters’ signature model from the C45 line, has been cleared for professional play by the United Pickleball Association of America. The UPA-A granted approval on February 6, allowing the Aurelius to be used in UPA-A governed events, and Franklin lists the paddle as available for pre-order with the first wave scheduled to ship March 1.

The Aurelius joins Franklin’s existing C45 family. "The Aurelius is part of Franklin's C45 paddle series, which also has the Dynasty long model, the Hybrid, and the Tempo widebody designs." The signature model will be offered in three thicknesses - 16.0 mm, 14.0 mm, and 12.7 mm - and Anna Leigh Waters is expected to use the 12.7 mm version in competition going forward. The Kitchen Pickle had noted the 12.7 mm option is the thinnest in the C45 lineup and that thinner faces often translate to a livelier, more "poppy" response on court.

Franklin highlights manufacturing claims tied to the Aurelius. "It is produced through a double-thermoforming process that strengthens the unibody structure, extends its service life, and reduces vibration." The paddle also carries Waters’ crown logo on the face and appears in images as a widebody shape similar to paddles she has favored in tour play. The name carries branding intent: "The name Aurelius, we're told, is of Latin origin, meaning 'golden,' inspired by ALW being synonymous with gold."

The certification follows a contract shift for Waters after her Paddletek deal expired on December 31, 2025. "It's official: Anna Leigh Waters has signed a new equipment deal with Franklin Sports." The Kitchen Pickle reported that Waters will help design a signature line of paddles, bags, and accessories under the Franklin agreement, which has been described in reporting as a major equipment move and was rumored in one outlet to be "in the millions" though that figure remains unconfirmed.

Practical implications matter for players and event planners. UPA-A approval clears the Aurelius for PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball play under UPA-A governance, but the model had not yet received USA Pickleball certification as of the latest reports. That distinction can affect which events or sanctioning bodies permit the paddle, so competitive players and coaches should watch for any USA Pickleball listing updates if they compete across different sanctioning systems.

The C45 roster already includes touring pros such as Parris Todd, Hayden Patriquin, Will Howells, and Megan Fudge, and the arrival of Waters’ signature model will likely intensify attention on Franklin’s competitive line. Expect follow-ups on USA Pickleball certification, final spec sheets and MSRP, and on-court reports once Waters debuts the 12.7 mm Aurelius in tournament play and the first pre-orders reach customers on March 1.