Pickleball superstar Anna Leigh Waters recently secured her first Major League Pickleball (MLP) Championship while wielding an enigmatic, unbranded paddle that has sparked intense industry speculation. While official details remain scarce, the equipment has already made a significant impact on the professional circuit.
The Mystery Behind the Franklin "?" Paddle
The paddle, currently identified only as the Franklin "?" on the UPA-A Approved Paddle List, made its high-profile debut during the MLP NYC event. Although Franklin and Waters’ camp have remained tight-lipped regarding the specifics, the UPA-A list confirms that three distinct variations of this model have received approval. Based on the visible curvature at the top of the paddle used by Waters during the tournament, it is widely believed she was utilizing the hybrid version.
The three approved models currently listed are:
- Elongated 14mm: A thinner, extended-reach version of the mysterious new design.
- Elongated 16mm: A thicker, extended-reach version, likely offering more control and stability.
- Hybrid 14mm: A model featuring a distinct curved top, which appears to be the specific paddle Waters wielded during her championship run.
While official confirmation is pending, industry insiders suggest this new equipment line may be a necessary evolution of Franklin’s existing C45 model. This potential redesign is speculated to be a response to the wide-reaching patent infringement lawsuit initiated by JOOLA, which named Franklin as a defendant. As the situation develops, the pickleball community continues to monitor the UPA-A list for further updates on this transition.
Beyond the gear, the 2026 MLP Finals marked a historic milestone for the sport. Held at CityPickle at Wollman Rink in Central Park, the event saw the New Jersey Fives defeat the St. Louis Shock to claim their first-ever MLP Championship. Anna Leigh Waters proved instrumental in the victory, delivering a clutch performance during a high-stakes Dreambreaker to seal the title for her team.
