USTA and IBM Extend Their Partnership for a New Era of Innovation

USTA and IBM Renew Their Historic Partnership

The United States Tennis Association (USTA) has officially extended its partnership with IBM, a collaboration that has spanned over three decades. This five-year renewal will see IBM continue as the Official AI and Cloud Partner for the prestigious US Open through 2031. This announcement follows a record-breaking US Open in 2026, which garnered over 270 million engagements thanks to IBM-powered digital solutions.

Kameryn Stanhouse, IBM’s Vice President of Sports and Entertainment Partnerships, expressed enthusiasm about the renewal, stating, "For 35 years, IBM and the USTA have worked together to redefine how technology can bring fans closer to the game." The combination of IBM's technological expertise with the USTA's vision for fan engagement has resulted in groundbreaking innovations, making the US Open one of the most digitally immersive sporting events globally.

IBM’s involvement has transformed how fans interact with the event. From the launch of the official USOpen.org website in 1995 to the debut of the mobile app in 2009, IBM has consistently pushed the envelope in using technology to enhance the fan experience. This year’s introduction of features like Live Updates and Key Moments took engagement to the next level, blending artificial intelligence and cloud technologies to enhance viewer interactions.

"Our partnership with IBM has produced decades of groundbreaking innovation for the US Open and for our fans," noted Brian Ryerson, USTA's Senior Director of Digital Strategy. He added that the collaboration utilizes cutting-edge technology to engage fans in unique and exciting ways. Ryerson expressed gratitude for the partnership's innovations and excitement for the next five years.

The 2026 US Open was a notable success across several metrics. Attendance soared, with more than 1.2 million fans joining the festivities across three weeks, including an impressive turnout of over 300,000 during Fan Week. USTA's digital platforms also reported astounding figures, with social media interactions surpassing 3.9 billion—an increase of 26% from the previous year. Moreover, ESPN's broadcast ratings hit their peak since 2022, with an average of 3 million viewers tuning in for both men's and women's singles championships. The US Open set another notable record by achieving a staggering 374 million global broadcast viewer hours in 2026.

The USTA, as the national governing body for tennis in the U.S., is dedicated to promoting player development at every level. This commitment spans from grassroots initiatives in local communities to the highest echelons of professional sport. All proceeds generated by the organization are reinvested into growing the sport, emphasizing its not-for-profit status. The USTA not only organizes the US Open, renowned as one of the most attended annual sporting events globally, but it also coordinates approximately 100 Pro Circuit events around the U.S. In addition, it oversees team selections for prestigious tournaments such as the Davis Cup, Billie Jean King Cup, and both the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

IBM, known for its forefront position in global hybrid cloud and AI solutions, aims to empower clients to harness insights from their data effectively. Their expertise spans across a wide array of industries, including telecommunications, healthcare, and financial services, providing powerful tools for digital transformation.

As this renewed partnership embarks on its next phase, both the USTA and IBM are eager to explore new frontiers in fan engagement and technology integration, continuing to set the standard in sports innovation. The collaboration stands as a testament to what organizations can achieve when they unite technology with a shared passion for sports.

For more information on the USTA, visit USTA.com, and you can follow updates through their social media channels.

About the USTA
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) is committed to promoting the growth of tennis, serving as the national governing body for the sport in America. The organization reinvests all its profits into developing tennis programs, making it a pivotal player in the sport's ecosystem across all levels.

About IBM
IBM has established itself as a leader in global hybrid cloud and AI, helping thousands of clients around the world maximize data insights for competitive advantage. Their innovative approach and commitment to inclusivity and responsible practices make them an essential partner for organizations aiming for digital transformation.