Pickleball's biggest star Anna Leigh Waters is coming to Manila — here's what we know

Pickleball courts have been popping up everywhere lately — condo rooftops, converted basketball courts, empty parking lots. That's not a coincidence. The Philippines has quietly become the fastest-growing pickleball market on the planet, and the sport's biggest names are starting to notice.

Here's everything we know about the tour heading to Manila this 13 to 15 October.

Philippines is getting the first stop on a major Asia tour

Franklin Sports, one of the biggest names in pickleball gear, is launching its Asia Pickleball Showcase this October — and Manila is up first, ahead of stops in Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Vietnam.

Anna Leigh Waters — known to fans as ALW — is the current World No. 1 and widely considered the most dominant player the sport has ever produced. She's set to headline the Manila showcase, giving local players and fans a rare chance to see her compete up close.

Why Manila?

This isn't a random tour stop. The Philippines is reportedly seeing 1,213% year-over-year growth in pickleball participation, making it the fastest-growing pickleball market in the world — and, according to Franklin, a top priority in the brand's global expansion.

Jared Franklin, the brand's Head of International, said the company is proud to bring the showcase to the Philippines and to have the "no. 1 player in the world" competing here. 

He framed the visit as part of Franklin's broader push to grow the sport globally and connect with the country's pickleball community.

ALW won't be the only pro in town. Franklin's roster of athletes has combined for 105 medals so far this year across the PPA and APP Pro Tours. Expected names include: Hayden Patriquin, Paris Todd, Will Howells, Jimmy Liong, Sofia Sewing, Casey Diamond, Megan Fudge and Ryler DeHeart.

New gear may be revealed

Franklin is expected to tease new product at the showcase. The timing lines up with a viral moment from ALW on September 2, when she posed in front of her own Times Square billboard holding an all-black paddle marked with a white question mark — the same paddle she used to win the Major League Pickleball finals. It's widely read as a hint at Franklin's next paddle release.

There's also the Franklin X-40, the ball considered the sport's gold standard. It holds more than 75% market share in North America and is used in major tournaments worldwide, including Manny Pacquiao's Maharlika Pilipinas Pickleball Tour (MPPT), the US Open Pickleball Championships, the APP Tour, the Pickleball Slam, and USA Pickleball.

Franklin has also teased a follow-up: the X-44, a faster ball endorsed by ALW, expected to launch around the end of the year.

This October, Manila isn't just hosting a pickleball event — it's the opening stop of Franklin's entire Asia tour, headlined by the sport's biggest star.