Pickleball Australia Association (PAA) and Franklin Sports have signed a three-year deal that will make Franklin’s X-40 and X-26 pickleballs the official balls of all Pickleball Australia clubs, associations, and sanctioned tournaments.
At this point, we are all well aware of pickleball’s exponential growth within the United States. The recent SFIA and Pickleheads State of Pickleball report shows that the number of new players in 2022 exceeded the total player population in 2021. Pickleball continues to grow at an incredible rate in the U.S., but it’s also on the rise internationally.
In particular, Australia has seen a rise in its pickleball population. According to the Pickleball Australia Association, pickleball has grown by about 20% every year, having grown from nothing to one of the most popular recreational sports in the country. In 2023, the organization now has over 25,000 members nationwide, and they continue to work with other agencies to build more courts to meet the demand.
Since its launch in 2020, the PAA has established seven state and territory associations across the country, including different branches and sub-committees within each region, which have helped strengthen pickleball’s growth in Australia. The PPA hopes to grow the game by educating the public, creating more opportunities to play, and elevating the game at the competitive level.
Now, Pickleball Australia has teamed up with Franklin Sports, one of the leading brands in the sporting goods industry. They will use Franklin’s popular X-40 and X-26 balls for all of its events, including the nation’s biggest tournaments like the 2023 Pro Pickleball Brisbane in September and the GemLife Australian Pickleball Championships in October.
Franklin Sports and Pickleball Australia will also utilize their partnership as a way to expand growth initiatives for pickleball within Australia by supporting PAA clubs and grassroots efforts nationwide. Jared Franklin, Head of International Pickleball Expansion at Franklin Sports, explains that supplying Australian pickleballers at PAA-affiliated venues with high-quality gear will hopefully improve the quality of the pickleball experience across Australia.
“The growth and popularity of pickleball continues to take over the sporting world. 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 pickleballs 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.”
Jared Franklin, Head of International Pickleball Expansion, Franklin Sports
Pickleball will undoubtedly continue to grow in the Land Down Under, and we can’t wait to see how it develops at both rec and pro levels! Visit the PAA’s website to learn more about the organization and how to get connected with Australia’s growing pickleball community.
