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World Team Tennis Returns This December with Fresh Format and Star Players
Amir Azimi
Daily News

World Team Tennis Returns This December with Fresh Format and Star Players

World Team Tennis Makes a Comeback

World Team Tennis, co-founded by Billie Jean King in the 1970s and last held in 2021, is set to return with a fresh approach. The event will take place in early December featuring three teams: New York Empire, Florida Flamingos, and Toronto North. Matches are scheduled at arenas usually hosting basketball and hockey games, including Brooklyn's Barclays Center, Florida’s Amerant Bank Arena, and Toronto’s Coca-Cola Coliseum.

Broadcasting and Modern Business Model

The tournament secured a one-year deal with Versant to air six night matches on CNBC and stream via Fandango. Its new structure follows trends seen in startups like Unrivaled and TGL, which attracted top athletes by offering equity stakes. TGL was recently valued at $1 billion, while Unrivaled reached a $650 million valuation after its August funding round.

This tennis league becomes the first to give players ownership shares. Fifteen prominent male and female players have committed, including Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, Victoria Mboko, Taylor Fritz, Frances Tiafoe, and Tommy Paul. Notably, Gauff holds an equity stake in the Florida Flamingos, making her the only player-owner in the 2026 lineup.

Insights from CEO Stephen Amritraj

Stephen Amritraj, who acquired the World Team Tennis IP in 2024, shared his thoughts in an interview:
  • Inspiration to revive WTT: "My father and uncle, Anand and Vijay Amritraj, were among the notable Indian players in the 70s and 80s and played in WTT. It helped them settle in the U.S. I’ve always admired the mixed-gender team concept, where men and women contribute equally."
  • Changes for this edition: "We kept the core values but shifted the season to December to avoid clashes with the traditional tennis calendar. The format now includes No. 1 and No. 2 men’s and women’s singles sets, all single-set matches with no-ad scoring, plus a mixed doubles super tiebreaker."
  • Player commitment despite the calendar: "Players are motivated by base pay, equity, and match bonuses. The one-set format limits travel demands. December placement fits well as it falls between the end of the regular season and before the Australian Open."
  • Equity for players: "Most players receive equity with vesting terms similar to other industries. We aimed to secure top talent for the long term and align our futures. This is unprecedented in tennis."
  • Mixed doubles format: "WTT pioneered mixed gender competition decades ago. The growing popularity of mixed doubles in major tournaments like the US Open confirms WTT was ahead of its time."
  • Event atmosphere: "Tennis growth ties closely to culture, fashion, and entertainment. We’ll feature live DJs, Jumbotron tech, and a vibrant fan experience, leaning more towards the energy of the US Open rather than Wimbledon."

WTT Teams and Venues

  • New York Empire: Barclays Center, Brooklyn
  • Florida Flamingos: Amerant Bank Arena, Florida
  • Toronto North: Coca-Cola Coliseum, Toronto

Key Players Signed

  • Coco Gauff (also player-owner)
  • Jessica Pegula
  • Victoria Mboko
  • Taylor Fritz
  • Frances Tiafoe
  • Tommy Paul

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