World Team Tennis Makes a Comeback with New Format and Star Players

World Team Tennis (WTT), co-founded by Billie Jean King in the 1970s and last held in 2021, is making a comeback. The event has been revamped with new teams, updated scheduling, and a modernized setup.

The relaunch will feature three teams: New York Empire, Florida Flamingos, and Toronto North. Matches will be hosted in basketball and hockey arenas: Barclays Center in Brooklyn (home to the NBA’s Nets and WNBA’s Liberty), Amerant Bank Arena in Florida (NHL Panthers), and Coca-Cola Coliseum in Toronto (PWHL Scepters and WNBA Tempo).

A one-year broadcast deal has been made with Versant, which will air all six night matches on CNBC and stream them via Fandango.

Innovative Model Aligns with Modern Sports Leagues

WTT has adopted a player-focused equity model similar to startups like Unrivaled and TGL. TGL recently hit a $1 billion valuation, while Unrivaled raised funds valuing it at $650 million, both doubling their worth within two years.

This tennis league is pioneering equity ownership for its players, securing commitments from 15 top men’s and women’s stars such as Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, Victoria Mboko, Taylor Fritz, Frances Tiafoe, and Tommy Paul.

Coco Gauff's deal stands out since she holds an equity stake in the Florida Flamingos, making her the sole player-owner among the 2026 lineup.

Stephen Amritraj on Reviving World Team Tennis

"My dad and uncle were prominent Indian tennis players in the ’70s, and World Team Tennis was part of their journey when they migrated to L.A. It helped them settle in and I’ve always loved the idea of mixed-gender teams playing equally," said Stephen Amritraj, CEO of WTT, who acquired its intellectual property in 2024.

He shared insights about changes in the league:

• Season timing: Moved from summer to December based on player feedback to avoid conflicts with the traditional tennis calendar.
• Match format: Previously included men’s singles, women’s singles, doubles, and mixed doubles sets. Now features No. 1 and No. 2 men’s and women’s singles sets, all one-set with no-ad scoring, plus a mixed doubles super tiebreaker.

Player Commitment and Compensation

Players receive base fees, equity, and bonuses tied to match wins. Amritraj expressed confidence in player dedication despite December’s placement on the calendar. The league’s one-set format reduces travel strain and fits between players’ off-season and training schedules.

He noted that for injured players, participating offers valuable match practice before major events like the Australian Open starting early next year.

Equity for Players: A First in Tennis

The majority of players are granted equity stakes, helping secure longer-term commitments. Vesting terms apply, similar to other industries. This alignment between players and league growth is unprecedented in tennis.

Mixed Doubles: Ahead of Its Time

WTT’s mixed doubles format has influenced other major tournaments, including the US Open. Amritraj pointed out that WTT had this concept decades ago and that it’s now gaining widespread appreciation in the tennis world.

Entertainment and Atmosphere Focus

The league aims to combine tennis with culture, fashion, and entertainment to enhance fan engagement. Arenas will feature live DJs, Jumbotron displays, and tech elements to create a lively experience akin to major sports events like the US Open rather than the more reserved Wimbledon ambiance.