Adidas Steps Up Pickleball Presence with New Paddle Line and Player Expansion
What's the Score?
Adidas is significantly increasing its involvement in the pickleball industry in 2025. The global sports brand has signed top professional players, including Federico Staksrud and Mari Humberg, to join longtime player Rafa Hewett. Furthermore, Adidas is set to release a new line of pickleball paddles on April 22nd, designed in collaboration with these pros. This move signals a major push by Adidas into the burgeoning pickleball market at both the professional and amateur levels.
Hit it deeper!
Adidas's deeper foray into pickleball in 2025 marks a significant shift from their involvement over the past couple of years. The signing of Federico Staksrud, the then-No. 1 men’s player who had a dominant 2024 season, winning multiple titles and medaling in every PPA Tour event, was a clear statement of intent. This was quickly followed by the addition of women’s pro Mari Humberg, known for her breakout season in MLP with the New Jersey 5s. These players joined Rafa Hewett, who has been an Adidas player for some time, creating a professional roster that can compete with other major pickleball brands.
The excitement surrounding these signings is now amplified by the upcoming release of Adidas's new line of pickleball paddles on April 22nd. These paddles have been designed in conjunction with Staksrud, Hewett, and Humberg, and early feedback from the pros suggests they will be well-received. Adidas is launching a "tight but right" line for 2025, featuring paddles for various player types identified through their market research. Building on the earlier Metalbone line from late 2023, Adidas has expanded it to include four models with different material compositions. Additionally, they have simplified their offerings with two other distinct product lines called RX and MATCH.
Bryan Ogle, Chief Commercial Officer at All Racquet Sports USA, the company designing and producing Adidas pickleball equipment under global license, stated that the response to the new paddles has been "overwhelmingly positive". He noted that pros recognize the engineering and innovation, while amateurs appreciate the quality and accessibility. Many players have reportedly commented on the unprecedented level of detail and technology applied to these paddles. Ogle believes that exploring the entire product line will be worthwhile for players due to the unique characteristics of each paddle.
Adidas has leveraged its experience in the padel world, which uses similar materials in its equipment, in the manufacturing process. Ogle explained that as racquet sports evolve, so does the innovation in design and materials, recalling the early days of wood paddles. He emphasized that their group has deep experience in working with various materials and understanding their interactions. This cross-sport experience has allowed them to approach pickleball paddle development with a fresh perspective.
Recognizing the rapid pace of technological change in pickleball paddles, Ogle said Adidas has been able to adapt quickly and is well-positioned for this launch. He highlighted their "engineering first" mindset, aiming to be at the forefront of product innovation. Adidas also recognizes the importance of expanding its presence at both the professional and amateur levels. They aim to provide innovative and high-quality products for all players. Their partnership with Adidas allows them to understand the needs of athletes, and they are committed to bringing that passion to every level of the game, enabling players to aspire to play with the same equipment as top pros.
Adidas is also focusing on growing its athlete lineup to include players who embody their values and performance mindset, and they are expanding their ambassador program to engage with passionate players across all levels, including top professionals and grassroots influencers. Ultimately, Adidas hopes the pickleball community will see their genuine investment in the sport beyond just selling products. Their interest lies in the entire pickleball ecosystem and its continued growth globally.
The World Pickleball Verdict
Adidas's increased involvement in pickleball in 2025 is a significant development for the sport. The entry of a global powerhouse like Adidas, with its resources, brand recognition, and experience in related racquet sports, can inject significant momentum into the growth and professionalism of pickleball. The signing of top-tier players adds credibility, and the launch of a new, technologically advanced paddle line could raise the bar for equipment standards in the industry. Bryan Ogle's comments suggest a serious commitment to innovation and quality, which could benefit players at all skill levels. Furthermore, Adidas's interest in the global growth of pickleball and their support for both professional and amateur players indicate a long-term vision. This move by Adidas is a strong endorsement of pickleball's potential and signals a new phase in the sport's evolution, likely attracting more mainstream attention and investment.