The Franklin Cup and Franklin PPA Player Rankings by Franklin Sports
| July 11, 2023
Franklin Sports and PPA Introduce the Franklin Cup to Recognize Top Pickleball Players
Stoughton, Mass. (April 1, 2021) – Franklin Sports and the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) have announced a collaborative partnership to recognize the achievements of the professional tour’s top players. The key element of this partnership is the introduction of the Franklin Cup, an award presented to the leading players across each PPA division for both men and women. Similar to points-based ranking systems in other sports, the Franklin Cup will be awarded to players who accumulate the most points in tour events throughout the year. The champions in each division will hoist the Franklin Cup, and their names will be engraved on the trophy.
In addition to the Franklin Cup, Franklin Sports now holds the naming rights for the PPA’s player ranking system. Known as the Franklin PPA Player Rankings, this system will be regularly updated after each tour event to showcase player performances throughout the season. The rankings will be published across all PPA platforms, including web, social media, and broadcasts.
Adam Franklin, President of Franklin Sports, expressed the brand’s pride in supporting initiatives that highlight the dedication of professional players. The introduction of the Franklin Cup aims to bring a new level of excitement and recognition to the competitive spirit of pickleball.
The partnership builds on Franklin Sports’ existing strong presence in the sport. The company, based in Stoughton, Massachusetts, initiated its involvement in pickleball in 2016, designing its flagship X-40 Ball. Franklin Sports has since partnered with five professional pickleball athletes, including the top-ranked men’s player, Ben Johns. The brand has also launched a diverse collection of pickleball paddles, nets, balls, and other products.
The inaugural battle for the Franklin Cup is set to commence at the Newport Beach Doubles Shootout in Newport Beach, California, from April 2nd to April 5th. More details about the tournament can be found at www.ppatour.com.
For further information about Franklin Sports or to explore their pickleball collection, visit www.franklinsports.com.
About Franklin Sports
Founded in 1946 by Irving Franklin, Franklin Sports is a sporting goods brand based in Stoughton, Massachusetts. The company manufactures and sells over 1,500 products across 10 different categories. Franklin is recognized as the Official Batting Glove and Official PlayBall Equipment Partner of Major League Baseball (MLB) and the Official Street Hockey Partner of the National Hockey League (NHL). The brand is actively involved in various youth participation programs with these leagues. Franklin also collaborates with numerous elite athletes through equipment and apparel partnerships. The multigenerational, family-owned business, now run by President Adam Franklin, continues its tradition of providing athletes at all levels with high-value sports products. Celebrating its 75th year in business, Franklin maintains a trusted reputation as a quality sporting goods brand, supporting professional leagues and investing in emerging sports like pickleball.
About the Professional Pickleball Association
Founded in 2018, the PPA is a leading provider of professional and amateur pickleball tournaments for all ages. In 2021, the PPA is expected to host events welcoming 15,000–20,000 players and award over $1 million in total payouts. The association organizes tournaments in the U.S. and Canada and aims to expand internationally as the sport evolves. The PPA distinguishes itself through world-class venues, high-profile partnerships, and substantial prize money. With a commitment to delivering a professional experience and atmosphere, the PPA aims to establish pickleball as a bona fide professional sport.
[Note: The provided event page link is a placeholder. Please replace it with the correct link to the Newport Beach Doubles Shootout event page.]
