2026 Pickleball Over-Unders: Is Ben Johns washed? Is the APP Cooked? And more

PicklePod 2.0 is presented by Marek Health. Use our code THEDINK for 10% off your $299 Intake Assessment at https://MarekHealth.com/ On this episode of The PicklePod, we break down the biggest story in the sport right now: Anna Leigh Waters signing with Nike—why it’s bigger than any paddle deal, what it means for the PPA, and how it could completely reshape pickleball’s place in pop culture. Is she officially the face of the sport? And who’s actually happier about the deal than Anna Leigh herself? Plus, Nico returns for episode two and wastes zero time making enemies. We dive into bold 2026 over/under predictions, including: - Will Ben Johns ever win another singles gold? - How many matches will Anna Leigh actually lose this year? - Are contract terminations finally slowing down? - Can Jack Sock (or any former tennis star) win a PPA title? We also react to YouTube and Twitter comments roasting the show, debate pickleball media beefs, preview the Masters, blind-rank the best tournaments in the world, and somehow end up talking about fist fights, venison sticks, and why pickleball Twitter might be the worst place on the internet. As always, it’s pickleball analysis you won’t hear anywhere else—equal parts hot takes, insider perspective, and chaos. 👇 Drop your takes in the comments 👍 Like & subscribe for weekly pickleball chaos Like, subscribe, and welcome to PicklePod 2.0. Maui Nui Venison has more protein per calorie than just about anything else out there, and it tastes unreal. Order your Ohana Reserve Box today and receive a free 12-pack of jerky sticks http://mauinuivenison.com/THEDINK Be the first to try Zane's new course here: https://tzpickleball.com/ #Pickleball #PPATour #PickleballPodcast Leave your voicemail for the PicklePod at (512) 200 - 4299 ------------------ Like the ep? Do us a favor: subscribe to our channel and leave a review on Apple or Spotify -Subscribe to our 'all things pickleball' *free e-newsletter* at https://www.thedink.beehiiv.com https://www.instagram.com/thedinkpickleball/ -Follow us on IG -Continue the convo in our private FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thedi... -For everything else we do, visit https://linktr.ee/dinkfam -Read more about Zane and subscribe to his newsletter at https://zanenavratilpickleball.com/ -Follow Zane on IG @zanenavratilpickleball #pickleball #pickleballcourts ------------------ 0:00 Intro 3:12 Vote for Viral Moment of the Year 6:27 Anna Leigh Waters signs with Franklin/Nike 9:29 Nico faces his critics 16:43 Anna Bright mixed doubles partner count 21:14 Ben Johns' last singles gold 23:31 Termination count in 2026 29:11 Tennis players can’t close the gap 32:50 Will ALW lose at all this year 41:50 Gino the Righty claps back 44:35 Blind ranking battle 53:51 Rumors surrounding APP 1:00:29 Pickleball court case #2 1:09:44 Zane digs for kind comments Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices