#USA #New York City #Billie Jean King #World Team Tennis #Mixed-gender tennis

World Team Tennis Announces New Markets for 2026 Season

World Team Tennis (WTT), a trailblazer in mixed-gender team tennis co-founded by the iconic Billie Jean King in 1974, is gearing up for an exciting 2026 season with significant changes aimed at enhancing the fan experience. This year, WTT will introduce three city-specific teams located in Toronto, New York City, and the Miami metropolitan area, all of which are set to contribute to a vibrant new chapter for the league.

In anticipation of its 47th season, slated to kick off in December 2026, WTT’s Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Amritraj, expressed enthusiasm about the league’s new vision, which is rooted in thorough discussions with tennis fans. The revamped fan experience is designed to deliver outstanding value, making tennis more appealing and accessible. Amritraj remarked, "We’ve reimagined WTT’s format and the in-arena experience to create a truly unique product in the world of tennis. Each decision has been guided by our commitment to prioritizing fans and expanding the sport’s reach."

The 2026 season will feature six engaging match events, with each team partaking in two home matches and two away games. The inaugural event will take place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, followed by matches at the Coca-Cola Coliseum in Toronto and the Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida. By partnering with these state-of-the-art venues, WTT aims to combine elite tennis with premium hospitalities, such as live entertainment and interactive experiences, all designed within a fan-friendly atmosphere.

Gavin Ziv, CEO of Tennis Canada, expressed support for WTT's return and excitement over the event's Toronto location. He noted, "Last year, over a million new players took to the courts in Canada, which demonstrates our nation’s growing passion for tennis. We’re thrilled to offer tennis fans a new way to connect with the sport and anticipate that many Canadian players will get involved, giving fans a local team to follow."

In line with its founding principles of team competition, gender equality, and innovation, WTT will introduce a revamped match format that includes four singles sets: Men’s No. 1, Women’s No. 1, Men’s No. 2, and Women’s No. 2, along with a mixed doubles Supertiebreaker. This reshaping ensures that each gender contributes equally to the team’s overall results. Data analytics indicate that a majority of viewers usually watch only a portion of matches that are structured as best-of-three or best-of-five sets. This informed the league’s decision to implement a new single-set, no-ad format which promises variety, featuring eight elite players competing in a shorter time frame that traditionally sees only two.

The familiar no-ad scoring system remains intact in this streamlined format, emphasizing the importance of each point and game in delivering a fast-paced, high-energy tennis experience that is both timely and entertaining. WTT's commitment to creating an atmosphere conducive to fan enjoyment represents its effort to keep the sport engaging and relevant, especially for a younger audience.

In conclusion, World Team Tennis is positioned to redefine the landscape of professional team tennis by fusing top-tier athleticism with an immersive fan experience. The league’s return signifies a fresh, vibrant approach to tennis—one that champions inclusiveness, excitement, and community. With dedicated teams in urban centers known for their rich tennis culture, WTT looks ahead to a future fueled by innovation and unyielding passion for the game. For further details, fans can visit wtt.com and join the conversation on social media under @worldteamtennis.