Toray Becomes First Asia-Based Platinum Partner Of Major League Pickleball In Landmark Sponsorship Deal
Source: Pickleball.com
A bold leap in global visibility for pickleball as Japanese powerhouse Toray Industries partners with MLP, marking a new chapter in Asia's influence on the sport.
In a significant development for the international expansion of pickleball, Major League Pickleball (MLP) has officially partnered with Japanese materials science giant Toray Industries, Inc., naming the company a Platinum Partner for the 2025 season.
This collaboration, announced Tuesday, makes Toray the first-ever Asia-based sponsor of MLP, solidifying the league’s ambition to grow its global footprint. The sponsorship will see Toray’s corporate branding prominently displayed across all 14 MLP events, including exclusive kitchen branding and naming rights for marquee tournaments.
“Powered by Toray”: Major Events Under New Light
As part of the agreement, the MLP New York event in August will be billed as Powered by Toray, while the San Diego tournament will see Toray take center stage as Title Sponsor.
Toray’s iconic symbol will feature on courts, signage, and marketing assets, creating high-visibility opportunities for the brand across North America.
"They will literally be our partner, helping to shape future global paddle production," said George Killebrew, UPA Chief Revenue Officer. “Toray branding will become a household name across the MLP circuit.”
Elevating Global Reach And Innovation
For Toray, this partnership serves multiple objectives. Beyond increasing visibility in the U.S. and strengthening its already prominent carbon fiber business, the move aligns with the company’s mission to foster health and well-being through sport.
"Through this initiative, we aim to contribute to the development of pickleball globally," said Mitsuo Ohya, President and CEO of Toray Industries. “We also seek to collaborate with manufacturers to push the limits of pickleball paddle technology through our advanced material innovations.”
Toray’s materials are already widely used in aerospace, automotive, and medical industries. Bringing this scientific edge to paddle design could very well redefine equipment standards and elevate competitive play worldwide.
Asia’s Sporting Legacy Meets Pickleball’s Future
With decades of sporting sponsorships in its portfolio—including Japan’s top volleyball leagues and the Toray Pan Pacific Open in tennis—Toray’s leap into pickleball marks a significant cultural bridge between Asia and one of the world’s fastest-growing sports.
This move not only boosts the sport’s credibility on the international stage, but also opens the door for further Asian investment and participation in pro pickleball.
The partnership signals a turning point for the Asian pickleball ecosystem, demonstrating that global leadership and innovation from the region can—and will—shape the sport’s trajectory in meaningful ways.