MANILA, Philippines, October 15, 2026 – Pickleball champion Anna Leigh Waters has concluded her three-day Philippine visit with a grand press conference co-presented by Franklin Sports and IAM Worldwide at Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati City, marking her Philippine debut and announcing her return to Manila on December 9, 2026.
The exclusive press luncheon brought together media representatives and sports journalists to celebrate Waters’ achievements and highlight her growing presence in the international pickleball community. At 19, Waters holds the World No. 1 ranking in women’s singles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles. With more than 200 Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) titles to her name and another Triple Gold sweep in the United States, she headlined the Franklin Asia Pickleball Showcase during her visit.
Hosted by sportscaster Boom Gonzalez, the event featured Waters’ partnerships with Franklin Sports and IAM Worldwide, focusing on sports equipment innovation, athlete performance, and health and wellness.
Anna Leigh Waters Highlights Franklin Sports Partnership
During the program, Waters discussed her role as a global representative of Franklin Sports, a leading American sporting goods brand. She also introduced her signature Franklin C45° Aurelius paddle and discussed the blacked-out Franklin Whip prototype paddle she has used in recent tournament victories.
Franklin Sports executives Jared Franklin, Head of International, and John Lynch, Head of Marketing, joined Waters and her parents, Stephen and Leigh Waters, for the media appearance.
The company also outlined its plans to support the Philippine pickleball community through regional tournaments, youth clinics, and wider equipment distribution through major local sports retailers. These initiatives aim to help more Filipino players access quality pickleball equipment and develop their skills in the rapidly growing sport.
IAM Worldwide Welcomes Waters as Global Sports Ambassador
The press conference also spotlighted Waters’ partnership with IAM Worldwide, where she serves as the brand’s Global Sports Ambassador.
Company executives, including President Allen Marvin Yu Eder, Vice President Aika Lorraine Uy, and General Manager Anna Mañego, welcomed the champion and discussed the partnership’s role in expanding the brand’s health and wellness advocacy.
Waters previously filmed a commercial campaign for IAM Worldwide in New York City in June. During the Manila event, she demonstrated her daily wellness routine featuring IAM Pure Organic Barley and Choco Barley. She also shared samples of IAM Amazing Organic Barley Gummies with members of the media.
For IAM Worldwide, the partnership reflects an effort to connect its wellness initiatives with a broader international audience through an accomplished athlete whose career emphasizes performance and dedication.
Anna Leigh Waters to Return for IAM Worldwide Pickleball Showdown
The press event concluded with a ceremonial photo opportunity and gift exchange. IAM Worldwide executives presented Waters with a welcome bouquet, while Franklin Sports gifted the IAM leadership team with Franklin ALW Signature Paddles.
Following her Philippine visit, Waters is set to continue the Franklin Asia Pickleball Showcase with upcoming stops in Malaysia and Hong Kong.
She also announced that she will return to Manila on December 9, 2026, for the IAM Worldwide Pickleball Showdown at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The upcoming event will feature some of the Philippines’ biggest celebrities and performers, bringing together sports and entertainment for a highly anticipated pickleball showcase.
Waters’ return is expected to give Filipino fans another opportunity to see the world’s top-ranked pickleball star as the sport continues to gain attention in the Philippines.
With Franklin Sports supporting equipment accessibility and IAM Worldwide promoting health and wellness, Waters’ visit highlights the growing intersection of professional sports, brand partnerships, and community engagement in Philippine pickleball.
