Hebi, a small prefecture-level city in Henan Province, China, has transformed into a national hub for pickleball.
Key Highlights:
Rapid Adoption: Hebi has embraced the sport significantly, boasting around 300,000 regular players—roughly one in five residents—and nearly 1,600 courts (1:10-1:23). The city has implemented a "15-minute fitness circle," ensuring courts are within walking distance for residents (1:29-1:36).
Economic Growth: The city is leveraging the sport to boost its economy. Beyond recreation, Hebi is a manufacturing center for pickleball equipment, with local companies like Gaye Sports exporting paddles globally (1:37-2:13).
Tourism & Events: By hosting the China National Pickleball Championships (2024–2026), Hebi has seen a massive surge in tourism, with arrivals increasing by 395% and tourism revenue rising by 380% during event periods (2:43-3:33).
Future Outlook: With eyes on potential Olympic inclusion for pickleball by 2032, Hebi is investing in the sport's longevity by integrating it into middle school physical education and launching youth training programs (3:35-3:54).
Overall, the city is using pickleball to drive local manufacturing, tourism, and public health, successfully positioning itself on the national and international stage (4:02-4:14).
This news report from WKMG News 6 details a violent altercation that occurred during a pickleball game in Port Orange. The hosts begin by discussing the social and approachable nature of pickleball (0:35), comparing it to "standing on a ping pong table" (0:50). However, they also highlight common sources of frustration in the game due to the lack of referees:
Disputed "out" calls: Players can get angry when opponents unfairly call a ball "out" when it was clearly "in" (0:53-1:05).
"Kitchen" line violations: Points are lost if a player steps into the "kitchen" (the non-volley zone near the net) while hitting the ball (1:37-1:44), and some players are accused of cheating by quickly backing out (1:50-1:57).
The report then focuses on a 911 call revealing the chaos of a pickleball fight (2:13). The caller explains that the fight escalated over "people calling the balls out" (2:24) and temper flaring for about 30 minutes (2:31). The altercation involved couples, with Anthony Sapienza (3:01) and his wife Julianne Sapienza (3:05) being identified as the aggressors.
The incident turned violent, leading to serious charges against Anthony Sapienza (3:10):
Aggravated battery causing bodily harm (3:13).
Two counts of battery on a person 65 and older (3:14).
According to the report, Sapienza allegedly:
Split a man's head open with his paddle (3:25).
Pushed over the man's wife (3:27) and called her a derogatory name (3:31-3:36).
Punched another person who tried to break up the fight (4:19-4:21).
The hosts express shock and dismay at the level of violence over a recreational game (3:17-3:23, 4:00-4:03). The Sapienzas were arrested (3:44) and are likely facing prison time for felony battery (3:58). The report concludes with a caution to "be careful on those pictures" (4:26), referring to the intense nature of pickleball games.
As the No. 11 seed, expect the spotlight and a whole lot of balls coming your way. No worries—Riley’s been here before. He knows the drill, the rhythm, and when to change gears.
And the buzz is already out there. Pickleball.com Predictions for 2026 say it loud: “The breakthrough player on the men’s side in 2026 will be Will MacKinnon.”
7:13:02 Will MacKinnon/Kiora Kunimoto vs McGowan/Eaby (SF)
8:28:15 Will MacKinnon/Kiora Kunimoto vs Truluck/Roddy (Finals)
Raleigh PPA Challenger - Men's Doubles
4:35:02 Will MacKinnon/Rafa Hewett vs ?/?
8:00:31 Will MacKinnon/Rafa Hewett vs ?/?
10:02:29 Will MacKinnon/Rafa Hewett vs Anouar Braham/Jhonnatan Medina Alvarez (Bronze)
October 2025
PPA Las Vegas
In a PPA Las Vegas quarterfinal that captivated fans, teenage sensation Will MacKinnon and his partner Luc Pham pushed the sport's top duo to the brink, showcasing the rise of a new generation.
Las Vegas, Oct. 24, 2025 — On the grandstand court at the PPA Vegas Cup Ben Johns and Gabriel Tardio played tournament qualifiers Will MacKinnon and Luc Pham. (Watch Match, Read Article, Listen To Their Song)
Pickleball Prodigy Anna Leigh Waters Inks Deal With Franklin Sports, Signaling New Era for the Sport
Rising Star Aligns With Industry Leader to Innovate and Expand Globally
In a move that underscores the rapid ascent of pickleball from recreational pastime to professional powerhouse, Anna Leigh Waters, the sport's undisputed top-ranked player, has signed a long-term partnership with Franklin Sports. The announcement, made Thursday from Franklin's headquarters in Stoughton, Mass., pairs the 18-year-old phenom with a brand that has been at the forefront of pickleball's equipment evolution since 2017. As Waters prepares to turn 19 on January 26, this collaboration not only cements her status as a trailblazer but also highlights the growing commercial stakes in a game that has exploded in popularity across the United States and beyond.
The Partnership Unveiled
Franklin Sports, a venerable name in sporting goods with roots dating back to 1946, revealed the deal in a statement that emphasized mutual ambition. Adam Franklin, the company's president, described Waters as embodying "remarkable talent, competitive spirit, and passion for the game," qualities that align with Franklin's ethos of supporting athletes from backyard enthusiasts to elite pros. The agreement comes at a pivotal moment for pickleball, which has seen participation surge by over 200 percent in recent years, drawing comparisons to the early boom of tennis in the 1970s.
Under the terms of the partnership, Waters will compete using advanced iterations of Franklin's C45° Carbon Fiber Paddle, a thermoformed carbon weave technology that has become a staple on the professional circuit. This shift in equipment is more than cosmetic; it's a strategic endorsement of Franklin's innovation pipeline, which Waters cited as a key factor in her decision. "Performance was a priority," she said in the release, praising the company's commitment to pushing boundaries in paddle design.
Waters' Historical Pickleball Journey
Anna Leigh Waters' journey to the pinnacle of pickleball reads like a script from a sports underdog story, albeit one accelerated by precocious talent and multi-generational family support. Introduced to the game in September 2017 by her grandfather when she and her mother, Leigh Waters, evacuated Florida during Hurricane Irma. Ten year old Anna Leigh instantly transitioned from novice to prodigy at her first tournament a month later, winning a gold medal at the Delray Beach Gamma Pickleball Classic. Teaming initially with her mother—who now serves as her coach and manager—the duo pioneered an aggressive, high-velocity style winning the Pro Women's Doubles World Championship in 2019.
By age 18, Waters has amassed a staggering 181 gold medals on the Pro Pickleball Association (PPA) tour, including 39 career triple crowns—a feat unmatched in the sport's young history. Since 2022, she has held the No. 1 ranking in women's singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, a trifecta that places her in rarified air. Her fan base, drawn to her fiery on-court demeanor and off-court accessibility, spans generations, inspiring young players to pick up paddles in parks and community centers worldwide. As pickleball courts proliferate—from urban rooftops to suburban cul-de-sacs—Waters has become the face of its democratization.
Franklin's Stake in Pickleball's Growth
Franklin Sports entered the pickleball arena in 2017 with the launch of its X-40 ball, which swiftly earned official status from USA Pickleball, the APP Tour, and the US Open Pickleball Championships. This foothold has expanded into a comprehensive product line, including paddles, bags, nets, and accessories, positioning Franklin as a global leader amid fierce competition from brands like Selkirk and Joola.
The Waters partnership builds on Franklin's roster of sponsored athletes, which includes pros from the PPA, APP, and international tours. Beyond equipment, the deal promises collaborative product development: Waters will co-design a signature line of paddles, bags, and accessories tailored to both competitive and casual players. Additionally, the duo plans to introduce a new pro-level pickleball to complement the X-40, aiming to set new standards in durability and performance.
This alliance also extends to broader initiatives, such as international marketing campaigns and athlete-led clinics, designed to fuel pickleball's global expansion. With the sport eyeing Olympic inclusion—potentially as early as 2032—Franklin's investment in Waters signals a bet on pickleball's enduring appeal.
Looking Ahead: Innovation and Inspiration
The partnership's emphasis on "athlete insights, product testing, and innovation" suggests a hands-on role for Waters in shaping Franklin's future offerings. She expressed enthusiasm for the familial vibe of the Franklin team, noting an "immediate connection" that fostered trust. Joint efforts will focus on elevating performance across skill levels, from beginners tweaking their dinks to pros mastering third-shot drops.
On the horizon, expect Waters and Franklin to embark on international visits, promoting the sport in emerging markets like Europe and Asia, where pickleball is gaining traction amid a post-pandemic fitness boom. This global push aligns with Waters' vision of inspiring a new wave of players, much as she was once inspired by her family's impromptu introduction to the game.
In-Depth Summary: A Watershed Moment for Pickleball
Anna Leigh Waters' alignment with Franklin Sports represents more than a sponsorship deal; it's a confluence of youthful dominance and established expertise that could accelerate pickleball's maturation as a mainstream sport. At 18, Waters has already rewritten the record books, her 181 golds and 39 triple crowns underscoring a dominance that rivals early-career legends in tennis or golf. Franklin, with its proven track record—starting with the X-40 ball and expanding to premium gear—gains a charismatic ambassador whose aggressive playstyle and fan engagement amplify its brand.
The collaboration's multifaceted scope, from co-designed signature products to a new pro ball and international outreach, positions both parties to capitalize on pickleball's explosive growth. Participation has ballooned to over 36 million players in the U.S. alone, per recent industry reports, driven by its accessibility, low-impact appeal, and social nature. Yet challenges remain: standardizing equipment regulations, expanding professional infrastructure, and navigating rival leagues like the PPA and Major League Pickleball (MLP), where Waters has excel.
Critics might view such deals as commercialization encroaching on a grassroots game, but proponents argue they inject resources needed for sustainability. For Waters, this partnership marks a "next chapter" prioritizing performance and shared vision. As she approaches her 19th birthday, her trajectory suggests not just sustained success but a lasting legacy—one that could see pickleball courts as ubiquitous as basketball hoops. Franklin's bet on her? A calculated play in a sport where the net is low (34 inches), but the stakes are rising.
Photography and video assets featuring ALW can be found HERE. Photo and video credit: Franklin Sports.
Bill Wingfield of Arkansas wins a national title, outlasting opponents decades younger and redefining what competition looks like late in life.
In the humid nights of central Florida, while matches stretched past midnight and competitors half his age chased every ball, Bill Wingfield kept playing. At 85, the Maumelle, Ark., resident was not there as a novelty act or ceremonial elder. He was there to win. When the U.S. Senior Pickleball National Championships concluded in Pictona, across the bay from Daytona Beach, Wingfield stood atop the podium, a national champion and a reminder that age, at least in pickleball, is often just another variable to outthink.
A Championship Earned, Not Given
Wingfield’s gold medal came in the 85–89 division, a bracket so thin that he was frequently required to play competitors in their 60s and 70s just to advance.
The national championships require qualification through one of four regional tournaments, where players must finish in the top three.
Wingfield earned his place with a silver-medal finish at a regional event.
Over the course of the tournament, he played roughly eight matches, some ending as late as 1:30 a.m. due to weather delays.
The endurance alone was notable. The result was extraordinary.
From Tennis Skeptic to Pickleball Convert
Wingfield’s path to pickleball was anything but enthusiastic at first. A longtime tennis player, he viewed the sport with suspicion, even disdain.
He played tennis until the age of 79 and initially dismissed pickleball as a game for retired tennis players unwilling to quit competing.
After trying it once, his resistance evaporated.
He has not picked up a tennis racket since.
What won him over was not just accessibility, but depth. Pickleball, he says, rewards patience and planning more than raw speed.
A Game of Strategy, Not Just Speed
Wingfield describes pickleball less like a sprint and more like a chess match.
Beginners can have fun within weeks, he says, but winning consistently can take years.
Against younger opponents who can retrieve nearly everything, Wingfield relies on placement, touch, and tactical pressure.
His goal is not to overpower, but to force opponents to earn every point.
It is a style of play that allows experience to matter — and sometimes prevail.
Training at 85, Without Apology
This is not a casual hobby. Wingfield trains almost every day at the Little Rock Athletic Club, sometimes twice daily.
On mornings when his body protests, he waits it out, trusting movement to restore momentum.
When partners are unavailable, he practices with a ball-feeding machine.
The physical benefits, he says, have been undeniable, from improved sleep to renewed energy.
He jokes that while his birth certificate says 85, his body feels more like “39 plus shipping and handling.”
Competing Without Fear of Losing
For Wingfield, the secret to longevity in the sport is psychological as much as physical.
New players, he advises, must accept early and frequent losses.
Improvement comes gradually, often invisibly, until one day it begins to “gel.”
The scoreboard matters less than showing up, learning, and enjoying the process.
It is advice shaped by decades of competition — and by a sport that continues to surprise him.
No Finish Line in Sight
With tournaments on the calendar in places like Fayetteville, Utah, and Arizona, Wingfield has no plans to retire from competition.
He intends to keep playing as long as his body allows.
He sees pickleball as a sport for all ages, not defined by youth or limitation.
Above all, he sees it as fun — the kind that keeps people coming back.
At an age when most athletes have long since stepped away, Wingfield is still chasing shots, still solving puzzles, still winning.
Summary
Bill Wingfield, an 85-year-old from Maumelle, Arkansas, won a national title at the U.S. Senior Pickleball National Championships in Florida.
A former tennis player, Wingfield initially resisted pickleball but quickly became devoted to its strategic depth.
He trains nearly every day, often competing against players decades younger.
Wingfield credits strategy, consistency, and a willingness to lose early as keys to long-term success.
He plans to keep competing as long as possible, embodying pickleball’s growing reputation as a lifelong sport.
RPM Pickleball Launch Press ConferenceIntroducing Innovation to Philippine PickleballIntroduction
This press conference marks the official launch of RPM Pickleball in the Philippines, hosted by Pickleard and Grabka Sports. It features opening remarks, introductions of the brand's founders—James Ignatowich (CEO) and Marwan Abaza (President and Head of R&D)—a promotional video, and an interactive Q&A session. The event highlights RPM's paddles, the brand's origins, and upcoming activities, while fostering excitement for pickleball's growth in Asia.
49:08 - Opening Welcome and Introduction to the Event
The host greets the audience and announces the launch of RPM Pickleball in the Philippines, emphasizing innovation, performance, and collaboration with local partners Pickleard and Grabka Sports.
50:18 - Opening Remarks from Philip Pagon (Pickleard Representative)
Philip welcomes the RPM founders, expresses excitement about the collaboration with Grabka Sports, and teases upcoming pickleball battles between Philippine and US players.
51:18 - Welcome Address from Grace Grabka (Grabka Sports)
Grace thanks the founders for the opportunity to host, highlights player excitement for playing with them, and expresses anticipation for experiencing RPM paddles.
51:47 - Promotional Video Presentation
A short video from Grabka Sports plays, featuring motivational pickleball imagery and slogans like "Step in. Eyes up." and "Always chasing better," ending with applause.
52:49 - Introduction of Marwan Abaza
The host introduces Marwan as a Division One athlete with backgrounds in tennis, investment banking, and data science, positioning him as the technical force behind RPM's paddle development.
53:35 - Introduction of James Ignatowich
The host introduces James as a top professional pickleball player and CEO, emphasizing his passion for materials science, player-driven design, and RPM's global growth.
54:48 - Start of Q&A Session and General Welcome
The host welcomes the founders to Manila and opens the floor for questions about the brand and their work.
James discusses his surprise at being terminated from UPA, plans to focus on Asia (including the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, China, and Hong Kong), expanding RPM's presence, and participating in local tournaments.
57:52 - Favorite RPM Paddle Variants and Reasons
James and Marwan share their preferences: James favors the elongated 16mm for power and reach, while Marwan prefers the 16mm widebody for its large sweet spot and soft game suitability; they discuss weight considerations and upcoming models.
1:00:02 - Plans for Hybrid Paddle Development
The founders reveal a upcoming hybrid shape paddle with the same core but a rectangular design (shorter and wider), critiquing curved-top hybrids like the JOOLA Hyperion for smaller sweet spots.
1:00:48 - Comparison to Selkirk Paddles
They compare RPM paddles favorably to JOOLA (best for advanced players) over Selkirk, which they see as better for intermediates or beginners.
1:01:13 - Number of Pros Using RPM Paddles
Around 10 pros on the APP Tour and 4-5 on the PPA Tour use RPM, mostly unpaid except for Ryan Fu, as it's their favorite among advanced players.
1:01:51 - Ava's Paddle Usage and Sponsorship
Ava is not using RPM due to her expensive ProXR contract; the founders joke about potential future sponsorship.
1:02:08 - Coffee Consumption and Playing Habits Joke
Light-hearted banter about James's high coffee intake (4-5 cups) and his habit of yawning during play.
1:02:36 - Inspirations for Engineering RPM Paddles
James cites JOOLA as a baseline, focusing on maximizing power with a large sweet spot for control; Marwan emphasizes pro input, attention to detail, and over a year of prototyping for optimal feel.
1:05:09 - Origin Story of RPM Pickleball
The founders recount starting due to dissatisfaction with Selkirk paddles, initial reluctance, conversations with Chinese factories, 40 prototypes, and Marwan balancing it with full-time work and studies.
1:08:53 - How the Name "RPM" Was Chosen
Marwan spotted "RPM" on a subway ad after a week of brainstorming; it stands for "revolutions per minute," symbolizing dwell time and grit for spin.
1:09:51 - Explanation of Grit and Spin in Paddles
They explain surface roughness (grit) for better spin, contrasting RPM's rough texture with smoother paddles that lack spin.
They explain surface roughness (grit) for better spin, contrasting RPM's rough texture with smoother paddles that lack spin.
1:10:36 - Predictions for Upcoming Matches Against Filipinos
James predicts Filipinos might score up to 8 points in exhibition games, discussing rally scoring, toughest opponents, and committing to play at top level for fun.
1:12:25 - Personal Questions: Filipina Girls and Relationship Status
Both confirm they are single; James notes his preference for Asian girls, with humorous disclaimers.
1:13:01 - Ava's Relationship Status
Ava is in a long-term relationship, not single.
1:13:12 - Bet on Eating Balut
James agrees that if Filipinos score 5 points, Marwan will eat balut (a Filipino delicacy).
1:13:37 - Seeking Ambassadors in the Philippines
James invites applications via DM on Instagram (@rpm_marwan), referencing a story seen the previous night.
1:14:09 - Impressions of Philippine Pickleball
James admits limited prior knowledge but sees potential due to orders from partners; he discusses a new Asian league and personal experiences like food, weather (similar to Florida), and feeling tall.
1:16:23 - What Separates Top 10 Pros
Marwan highlights hand speed, power, aggression (e.g., speed-ups), natural gifts, and building weapons beyond consistency, which gets players to top 50.
1:17:24 - Invitation to Viewers and Demo Days
James invites viewers to demo RPM paddles, challenge him, and buy through hosts; emphasizes the brand's US popularity (nearly 10,000 sold) and Asian expansion.
1:18:47 - Closing Thanks and Applause
The host thanks the founders and calls for applause.
1:19:07 - Announcement of Upcoming Schedules
Details of clinics, open play, and exhibitions at various Pickleard locations over the next two days.
1:20:26 - Photo Opportunities
Organized photo sessions with Pickleard team, Grabka Sports, pro athletes, partners from Elijah Hotel, and a free-for-all group photo.
Overall Summary
The press conference successfully launched RPM Pickleball in the Philippines, blending formal introductions, a promotional video, and an engaging Q&A that covered paddle innovations, brand origins, pro insights, and light-hearted banter. Founders James Ignatowich and Marwan Abaza shared their vision for data-driven, player-focused equipment, while promoting local events to grow the sport. The event fostered excitement, partnerships, and community involvement, positioning RPM as a key player in Asian pickleball.
