Leapmotor Drives Into Australian Sport with NPL Sponsorship
Chinese EV importer Leapmotor has been named the official automotive partner of Australia's National Pickleball League (NPL), in a deal covering the 2026 season.
The Partnership
Leapmotor is set to become a major presence in Australian pickleball. The sponsorship covers the 2026 season, including the ahm NPL Season Finals and the newly titled Leapmotor NPL Championships. The EV brand will feature prominently at NPL venues, including The Jar South Melbourne and The Jar Maidstone, which opens in June 2026.
Beyond branding, the collaboration includes community activations, a shared content program, courtside presence, and exclusive benefits for members of both organizations.
Market Context
Leapmotor launched its first model, the C10 SUV, in Australia in late 2024. As of 2026, the company has delivered 420 cars in Australia, more than doubling its sales from the same period last year. This sponsorship marks a significant push into the Australian market.
Pickleball is being described as the fastest growing sport in Australia, with the NPL aiming to reach one million players by 2028. The partnership with Leapmotor comes shortly after the EV brand announced a separate deal with surf park operator URBNSURF in March 2026.
"Leapmotor has real momentum and a genuine point of difference." — NPL CEO Ron Shell
What They Said
NPL CEO Ron Shell highlighted the alignment between the two organisations, noting that the NPL community is young, active, and increasingly mainstream.
Joanne Stogiannis, Leapmotor Australia's marketing and communications director, said pickleball's growth reflects a broader cultural shift. "Pickleball's rapid growth reflects a shift toward social, accessible, and active lifestyles," she said, adding that this aligns directly with Leapmotor's brand values.