World Team Tennis Makes a Comeback with Fresh Format and Star-Studded Lineup

World Team Tennis Returns This December

World Team Tennis, the mixed-gender tennis league co-founded by Billie Jean King in the 1970s and last held in 2021, is making a comeback with a new structure, fresh teams, and a different spot on the tennis calendar.

The revamped event will feature three teams: New York Empire, Florida Flamingos, and Toronto North. Matches are scheduled for early December at major basketball and hockey arenas — Barclays Center in Brooklyn, Amerant Bank Arena in Florida, and Coca-Cola Coliseum in Toronto.

For broadcast, WTT has secured a one-year deal with Versant to air six evening matches on CNBC and stream them via Fandango.

A Modern Approach with Player Equity

The relaunch follows a trend among startup sports leagues like Unrivaled and TGL, which have attracted top talent by offering players equity stakes. TGL recently hit a $1 billion valuation, while Unrivaled's August funding round valued it at $650 million, both doubling in value over two years.

This time, World Team Tennis will be the first tennis league to offer equity to its players. Fifteen high-profile men’s and women’s players have already committed, including Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, Victoria Mboko, Taylor Fritz, Frances Tiafoe, and Tommy Paul.

Coco Gauff stands out as the only player-owner, holding an equity stake in the Florida Flamingos franchise.

Insights from CEO Stephen Amritraj

Stephen Amritraj, who took ownership of World Team Tennis in 2024, shared his thoughts with Front Office Sports:FOS: What motivated you to revive World Team Tennis?Amritraj: My father and uncle, Anand and Vijay Amritraj, were notable Indian players in the 70s who played for WTT. The league helped them settle into the U.S. I’ve always admired its mixed-gender team format, which was ahead of its time with men and women contributing equally.FOS: How will this version differ?Amritraj: We kept the principle that men and women contribute equally to the team score but changed the timing and format. Instead of summer, matches will now be in December to avoid clashing with traditional tennis events. The format shifted from sets of singles and doubles to four singles sets — No. 1 and No. 2 men’s and women’s singles — all single-set, no-ad scoring, plus a mixed doubles super tiebreaker.FOS: Why December? Will players stay competitive?Amritraj: Players are committed and compensated with base fees, bonuses, and equity. December fits nicely between their regular season and off-season, allowing some rest or recovery before the Australian Open. It’s a less taxing, one-set competition with reduced travel demands.FOS: What about the equity structure?Amritraj: Most players receive equity, with vesting terms similar to tech companies. This aligns long-term interests and is unprecedented in tennis.FOS: Mixed doubles has gained attention lately. Why is it important?Amritraj: Mixed doubles isn’t new—WTT has done it for 50 years. Many top tournaments are mixed gender combined events. The US Open revamped its mixed doubles format recently, showing that WTT was just ahead of its time.FOS: What can fans expect atmosphere-wise?Amritraj: Tennis now blends sport with culture, fashion, and entertainment. We'll have a live DJ, big screens, and tech features for a high-energy vibe. Think more like the US Open than Wimbledon.

Key Details About the 2026 World Team Tennis Relaunch

• Teams: New York Empire, Florida Flamingos, Toronto North
• Venues: Barclays Center (Brooklyn), Amerant Bank Arena (Florida), Coca-Cola Coliseum (Toronto)
• Schedule: Early December 2026
• Broadcast: Versant deal; six night matches on CNBC and streamed on Fandango
• Format: Four singles sets (No. 1 & No. 2 men’s and women’s singles), no-ad scoring, mixed doubles super tiebreaker
• Player Incentives: Base pay, match win bonuses, equity stakes
• Star Players Committed: Coco Gauff (also player-owner), Jessica Pegula, Victoria Mboko, Taylor Fritz, Frances Tiafoe, Tommy Paul, and others