The US company picked Manila as the first stop of its Franklin Asia Pickleball Showcase in October, ahead of Malaysia, Hong Kong and Vietnam, bringing world No. 1 Anna Leigh Waters to headline its push.
Chasing a fast-growing market
Franklin said the Philippines recorded 1,213 percent year-on-year growth in pickleball, which it described as the fastest expansion globally and a reason the country has moved up its international priorities.
“The Philippines is one of the fastest-growing pickleball markets in the world, and we couldn’t be prouder to bring the no. 1 player in the world, Anna Leigh Waters, to Manila,” Jared Franklin, head of international at Franklin Sports, said in a statement.
The company is already building its Philippine retail footprint through Decathlon, Toby’s Sports, Chris Sports and Juego PH, selling paddles, balls, footwear, bags and other equipment.
Its X-40 ball has also gained a foothold locally as the official ball of Manny Pacquiao’s Maharlika Pilipinas Pickleball Tour.
Turning players into customers
Franklin will use the Manila showcase to introduce Filipino players to its latest equipment, including a still-unreleased paddle used by Waters and teased during her recent Times Square appearance.
The company is also preparing to launch the X-44, a faster-playing ball endorsed by Waters, around the turn of the year as it expands its pickleball product lineup.
Franklin said its athletes have won 105 medals so far this year across the Professional Pickleball Association and Association of Pickleball Players tours, giving the brand a roster of professionals to help market its products globally.
—Edited by Miguel R. Camus
