World Team Tennis Returns in 2026 with Mixed-Gender Format

World Team Tennis (WTT) will resume Dec 2, 2026 at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center. Matches feature five sets—two men’s singles, two women’s singles, and a mixed-doubles tiebreak to 10 points—played with no-ad scoring to fit within two and a half hours, ensuring gender-balanced scoring.

New York Times

Billie Jean King launched WTT in 1974; the league ran until 1978 and had a 2021 season. In 2024, USTA director Stephen Amritraj bought IP through Intrepid Sports Group. Executives include Patrick Yee, Bill Oakes and Tony Cho, with investors such as Bobby and HyeMi Cho and others. WTA No. 5 Jessica Pegula will lead the roster.

Sports Business Journal

December scheduling avoids the ATP, WTA and Grand Slam calendars. Hawk-Eye Innovations will provide electronic line-calling and augmented-reality ball tracking with a ball-trail graphic. Players will receive appearance fees, win bonuses and equity stakes, a model similar to startup leagues like Unrivaled and TGL. Equity terms remain undisclosed.

Sports Business Journal

King praised the league’s modernized vision and innovation. Amritraj called the mixed-gender format “truly special” and a “sizable revamp.” Pegula said shorter matches, team energy and player ownership will deepen fan engagement. Organizers are negotiating media partnerships.

Sports Business Journal

Advocates cite prize-money gaps—men’s $9.2 million vs. women’s $5.1 million at the 2025 Cincinnati Open. Aryna Sabalenka, after a recent Battle of the Sexes exhibition, said she “did not understand how people were able to find something negative,” underscoring gender-representation debates.

New York Times

The league has not disclosed the number of teams, total event count, or player compensation. A broadcast partner and equity-share details remain under negotiation.

New York Times

• “I couldn’t be more excited about a modernized vision for World Team Tennis. This league has always been about innovation and making tennis more accessible. It’s inspiring to see that spirit carried forward in a way that connects with how fans engage with sports today.” — Billie Jean King, Co-founder, World Team Tennis

New York Times

• “A team concept -- mixed-gender, men and women on the same team, contributing equally to the score -- in tennis is something that is truly special,” — Stephen Amritraj, CEO, World Team Tennis

Sports Business Journal

• “I think fans are going to have a lot of fun with this. The matches are shorter, the team energy is different, and having players share in the ownership of the league also creates a deeper level of commitment.” — Jessica Pegula, WTA No. 5, Player Representative

New York Times

• “did not understand how people were able to find something negative.” — Aryna Sabalenka, Women’s World No. 1, Player

New York Times

WTT will announce team locations, player signings and a broadcast partner in the coming months, with the full December schedule to be released before the season opener.

New York Times