Franklin Sports signed a multi-year partnership agreement with Pickleball Australia, the National Sport Organization of the country’s fastest-growing sport. As part of the agreement, Franklin’s X-40 and X-26 pickleballs become the official balls of Pickleball Australia via member associations, clubs, individual members, and sanctioned tournaments.
Pickleball Australia is the most recent territory to select Franklin as an official ball partner, joining USA Pickleball, Pickleball England, the Indian Pickleball Association, Japan Pickleball Association, Pickleball Mexico, Singapore Pickleball, Pickleball Venezuela, Puerto Rico Pickleball Association, Swedish Pickleball Tour, and, earlier this summer, Pickleball Canada.
During the partnership, Franklin Sports and Pickleball Australia will focus on growth initiatives for the sport, supporting PAA’s member clubs and the grassroots efforts across the country to collaborate on ways to help pickleball athletes play recreationally at affiliated venues and for those competing in Pickleball Australia’s pinnacle events the ability to play with Franklin X-40 and X-26 pickleballs.
“The growth and popularity of pickleball continue to take over the sporting world,” said Jared Franklin, head of international pickleball expansion at Franklin Sports. “We are proud to lead the charge globally with our amazing partners like Pickleball Australia and our innovative pickleball products. The ability to bring our X-40 and X-26 signature pickleball to athletes of all ages and backgrounds will provide countless opportunities for all to enjoy what the great game of pickleball has to offer. The Franklin and Pickleball Australia partnership will bring the sport to the next level, and we couldn’t be happier to be a part of this exciting growth story that’s only just beginning in Australia.”
Pickleball Australia has seen an increase in participation in 2023, with an estimated 25,000-plus participants playing the game in Australia. Membership has grown to nearly 7,000 members, and because of the demand, Pickleball Australia has worked with its state member associations, local clubs and associations and local government to help build courts in Australia.
“The announcement of our partnership with Franklin Sports is a significant moment for Pickleball Australia and one which will benefit our entire community across the nation,” said Brendan Lee, executive officer of Pickleball Australia. “Pickleball Australia looks forward to working with such a distinguished brand like Franklin Sports to help increase participation, nurture our growth and professionalize our sport across the nation.”
Photo courtesy Franklin Sports
