JOOLA All-Stars Launch Historic China Tour

Shanghai, China – JOOLA, the leading brand in pickleball equipment, is set to make history as its star-studded team of athletes arrives in Shanghai on March 28 for their first-ever China tour. The two-day event marks a strategic push into Asia, the sport’s fastest-growing market, featuring tennis legends, pickleball champions, and exclusive gear releases designed to fuel the region’s passion for the game.

With over 4.9 million players in the U.S. alone, pickleball has become the fastest-growing sport in North America. Now, Asia is catching up. According to JOOLA CEO Richard Lee, “The energy in Asia’s pickleball communities is unmatched. As equipment innovation meets rising participation, we’re thrilled to connect our athletes directly with fans shaping this movement.”

The tour’s timing aligns with JOOLA’s launch of signature paddles tailored for competitive play, including the Agassi Pro IV 16mm and Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16 – gear already making waves among enthusiasts.

1. Andre Agassi & Stefanie Graf: Tennis Legends Turned Ambassadors

Andre Agassi, the first male tennis player to achieve a Career Golden Slam (all four Grand Slams + Olympic gold), and his wife Stefanie Graf, holder of 22 Grand Slam singles titles, are bridging tennis and pickleball. Their new signature paddles, the Agassi Pro IV 16mm (aggressive spin-focused design) and Graf Pro 16mm (precision control), symbolize JOOLA’s fusion of legacy and innovation.

“Bringing pickleball to China feels like introducing tennis to a new generation all over again,” Agassi remarked. Graf added, “The sport’s accessibility resonates globally – it’s about joy, competition, and community.”

2. Ben & Collin Johns: The Brothers Dominating the Courts

Ben Johns, world #1 in mixed doubles and a 165-time champion, needs no introduction. His Hyperion CFS 16 paddle (known for power and touch) is a fan favorite, while the newly released Perseus Pro IV promises enhanced maneuverability. Brother Collin Johns, a defensive specialist ranked #3 in men’s doubles, wields the Scorpeus Pro IV 16mm – a wider paddle built for relentless counterattacks.

Though the brothers recently ended their doubles partnership, their influence continues. “Asia’s talent pool is exploding,” Ben noted. “Meeting players here will inspire the next wave of champions.”

3. Anna Bright: Breaking Barriers in Women’s Doubles

Ranked #2 in mixed doubles and #4 in women’s doubles, Anna Bright has repeatedly defeated pickleball’s top duo, Anna Leigh Waters and Leigh Parenteau. Her Scorpeus Pro IV 14mm paddle, optimized for quick exchanges, reflects her tactical brilliance. “The competition here pushes me every day,” said Bright, whose Chinese heritage adds a personal connection to the tour.

4. Tyson McGuffin: The Power Player with a Podcast

Tyson McGuffin, a 15-time champion known for his thunderous serves, balances athleticism and media savvy. His Magnus Pro IV 14mm paddle follows JOOLA’s “3S” design philosophy (speed, spin, stability). Off the court, his training camps and podcast attract thousands. “Pickleball isn’t just a sport; it’s a lifestyle,” McGuffin said.

5. Brooke Buckner & Chao Yi Wang: Rising Stars to Watch

Brooke Buckner, a strategic player with “Win over Waters” potential, favors the Agassi Pro for its balance. Meanwhile, Chao Yi Wang (DUPR 5.8 singles rating) represents Asia’s rapid ascent. The Taiwanese star, a regular PPA semifinalist, embodies JOOLA’s investment in regional talent. “Seeing Asian players rise motivates me,” Wang said. “This tour is just the beginning.”

JOOLA’s latest paddles cater to diverse playstyles:

• Power Players: Ben Johns Hyperion CFS 16 (carbon-fiber surface)

• Defensive Specialists: Collin Johns Scorpeus Pro IV 16mm (extra-wide face)

• All-Rounders: Tyson McGuffin Magnus Pro IV 14mm (3S technology)

Each paddle integrates patented technologies, from honeycomb cores to textured surfaces, ensuring competitive edges.

• March 26–27: Clinics and exhibitions in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, Vietnam

• March 28–29: Shanghai events (details TBA via JOOLA’s social media)

Fans can expect skill workshops, exhibition matches, and meet-and-greets. “This isn’t just about selling paddles,” CEO Lee emphasized. “It’s about building a global pickleball family.”

With China’s sports industry projected to grow by 9% annually, pickleball’s low barrier to entry – affordable gear, simple rules – positions it for success. Local clubs report membership spikes, while influencers like Wang prove Asia can produce world-class talent.

“The hunger to learn here is incredible,” said Collin Johns. “We’re all here to grow the game together.”

Whether you’re a seasoned player or a curious newcomer, JOOLA’s China tour offers a front-row seat to pickleball’s evolution. Follow #JOOLAChinaTour for updates, and don’t miss your chance to meet the legends shaping the sport’s future.

As Ben Johns put it: “This isn’t an endpoint – it’s the spark that ignites a thousand courts.”