Major League Pickleball's new Asian competition has confirmed its equipment suppliers ahead of its first season, with Franklin Sports named Official Ball Partner and JOOLA appointed Official Net Partner.
Pickleball News Asia reported that both brands will feature in every match of the MLP Asia campaign, which begins on 13 November.
Franklin's X-44 will be the ball used throughout the season. The company describes it as the successor to its well-known X-40 and says it was built for the quicker, more competitive style of play now common in the sport.
According to Franklin, the ball was refined through more than 100 sample versions and extensive testing, with input from world number one Anna Leigh Waters. It keeps the optic yellow colouring of its predecessor, uses a two-piece construction and has 44 bevelled holes intended to give a steady flight.
Jared Franklin, Head of International at Franklin Sports, said he was looking forward to seeing the ball used by top players in front of home crowds around the continent.
JOOLA's nets will be installed on every court across the league's six host cities, from the opening regular season fixtures through to the MLP Asia Finals, so that playing conditions are uniform at each venue.
Cola Fang, Managing Director of JOOLA China, described the league as "a major step forward for pickleball in the region" and said the team format brings a distinct energy.
The co-ed league will feature six teams competing over five weeks, with each side hosting a match day of regular season pool play. The leading four teams will qualify for the Finals, with the semi-finals on 11 December and the champions decided on 12 December.
The season opens in Japan on Friday, 13 November, before moving to Hong Kong, China, the following day.