PPA Tour Asia Partners with Leading Pickleball Brands Ahead of 2026 Season
Exciting Developments for the 2026 PPA Tour Asia
As the 2026 season approaches, the PPA Tour Asia has announced collaborations with three prominent names in the pickleball equipment sector: Facolos, Franklin, and Paddletek. This partnership highlights the increasing confidence of pickleball brands in the Asian market. The upcoming season will feature ten tournaments throughout the year, starting with the MB Hanoi Cup scheduled for April 1-5 at the My Dinh Indoor Athletics Arena in Hanoi, Vietnam. Players will compete for a total prize pool of $300,000, setting the stage for a season aimed at solidifying Asia's role in the global pickleball landscape.
The collaboration unites well-known brands with unique identities, enhancing the tour's status as a leading professional competition platform in the region. Their ongoing investment signifies the rapid growth of pickleball in Asia, attracting both elite athletes and a growing community of recreational players.
Facolos: An Emerging Asian Leader
Among the partners, Facolos stands out as a rising Asian brand with aspirations to connect regional and global pickleball markets. Established by a Vietnamese team, Facolos has steadily gained recognition in international pickleball and is the only Asian brand to partner with the PPA Tour Asia for two consecutive seasons. This partnership underscores the brand's long-term goal of promoting Asian pickleball and enhancing its connection to the global market. Facolos has also expanded its athlete roster, signing Gabriel Tardio, the World No. 5 men's doubles player, along with top PPA Asia competitors Yufei Long and Sahra Dennehy. The brand plans to broaden its product range in 2026, focusing on performance-driven items supported by technological advancements.
Jessica Vo, Vice President of Facolos, stated, “2026 marks a transformative year for Facolos. With a comprehensive product system and significant investment in international initiatives, we believe Facolos can become a key player in elevating Asian pickleball on the global stage.”
Franklin's Legacy in Sports
Franklin brings a rich sporting heritage to the partnership, having been established in 1946. This family-owned company has built a strong reputation across various sports and is recognized as one of the leading manufacturers of pickleball equipment. Their paddles are favored by top professionals, including world No. 1 Anna Leigh Waters and Malaysia’s top player Jimmy Liong. Jared Franklin, Head of International at Franklin Sports, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “As pickleball continues to grow globally, we’re thrilled to collaborate with the PPA Asia Tour to promote the sport in the region. Our focus on innovation and accessibility reflects our commitment to supporting elite competition while introducing more players and fans to the game.”
Paddletek's Commitment to Excellence
Paddletek, founded in 2010, has dedicated over a decade to refining paddle design and performance. Known for its engineering-driven approach and collaboration with athletes, the brand has earned a strong reputation among competitive players. Its roster includes notable professionals such as Christian Alshon and Zane Navratil. Ron Saslow, Founder and Managing Partner at Thirty-5 Capital and CEO of the Paddletek Group, remarked, “As pickleball experiences remarkable global growth, expanding our partnership with the PPA presents an exciting opportunity to unite the worldwide pickleball community.”