Facolos Named PPA Tour USA Official Paddle Partner and Signs Gabe Tard

Photo Credits to: Facolos Pickleball (https://www.facebook.com/facolospickleball/posts/pfbid0z7HR98if8kxVLqwnpdQxhHxGj8TbXL7Z66rJeB8g6xzHsKrD8aVsuuYvqJ8XYonbl)

Facolos is stepping onto pickleball’s biggest American stage with a two-part announcement that blends brand placement with star power. The Vietnamese company has been named an Official Paddle Partner of the PPA Tour USA - an appointment described by pickleball media as the first time an Asian paddle brand has held that role on the circuit (https://worldpickleballmagazine.com/blogs/world-pickleball-news/facolos-official-paddle-partner-ppa-tour-usa). Alongside it, Facolos has signed Gabriel “Gabe” Tardio (https://thekitchenpickle.com/blogs/news/gabe-tardio-facolos-pro-pickleball-paddle-sponsorship), the 20-year-old ranked No. 2 in PPA men’s doubles, to a multi-year deal through 2027.

The pairing is deliberate: official tour visibility on one side, and a top-ranked athlete on the other. Together, they give Facolos both a platform and a proving ground in the U.S. pro market.

One Partnership, Two Pro Platforms

Facolos’ announcement also extends beyond the PPA. The company says it has secured official paddle partner status with Major League Pickleball (MLP) as well, placing the brand across the two most prominent professional circuits in the United States.

For Tardio, the terms are straightforward. He will serve as a global ambassador and compete exclusively with Facolos (https://worldpickleballmagazine.com/blogs/world-pickleball-news/gabe-tardio-no-2-facolos-ppa-mlp-tours) paddles throughout the 2026 and 2027 seasons.

Photo Credits to: Facolos Pickleball (https://www.facebook.com/facolospickleball/posts/pfbid0z7HR98if8kxVLqwnpdQxhHxGj8TbXL7Z66rJeB8g6xzHsKrD8aVsuuYvqJ8XYonbl)

EliteX Takes Center Court

Tardio’s competition paddle will be the Facolos EliteX, the brand’s flagship Pro Series model. Facolos describes the EliteX as built with an ElasticPP honeycomb core and a multidirectional T700 Raw Carbon face, designed to deliver “exceptional grip, spin, and precise control.”

The collaboration isn’t limited to match play. Facolos and Tardio also plan a co-branded collection that will include paddles, accessories, and pickleball apparel.