USA Sports is bringing back World Team Tennis after a five-year hiatus, with matches set to air on CNBC and stream on Fandango beginning December.
USA Sports has confirmed the revival of World Team Tennis (WTT), co-founded by the legendary Billie Jean King, after a five-year hiatus. The announcement was made on September 3, 2026, and includes a deal for matches to be aired on CNBC and streamed on Fandango. This reboot follows a challenging period for the league, which last operated a season in November 2021 before suspending activities due to pandemic-related issues.
The new WTT season is set to begin on December 1 and run through December 15. All six matches will be scheduled during primetime on CNBC, making it accessible to a wide television audience. Fans can also catch the action via streaming on Fandango. The league aims to engage both traditional sports fans and new viewers through its media partnerships.
In its reboot, WTT will return to its original format of city-based teams, featuring the New York Empire Racquet Club at Brooklyn's Barclays Center, the Toronto North Racquet Club at Coca-Cola Coliseum, and the Florida Flamingos Racquet Club at Amerant Bank Arena. The format for this season will include four singles sets and a mixed doubles tiebreaker, designed to enhance viewer engagement. The league is also integrating immersive technology and live music to improve both in-person attendance and broadcast experiences.
The WTT leadership, particularly CEO Stephen Amritraj, is focused on building a new era for the league, aiming to deliver significant value to fans. Amritraj has emphasized the importance of reaching both existing tennis enthusiasts and new demographics, underscoring the relevance of using platforms with broad appeal, such as CNBC and Fandango. The league's strategy includes giving athletes equity in the league to bolster their commitment and investment in its success.
Celia Kohl, Senior Vice President of Strategy & Business Development at Versant—USA Sports’ parent company—expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, noting that WTT aligns with the company’s goal of introducing growth-oriented sports leagues into their portfolio. This approach reflects ongoing efforts to supplement a diverse range of established sports offerings, including the WNBA, NASCAR, and international soccer.
The return of World Team Tennis is likely to resonate with fans who have missed its unique blend of sports and entertainment. Engaging a broad audience with innovative formats and strong media partnerships could invigorate interest in the league. Previous WTT seasons have fostered a vibrant community around mixed-gender competition, and the new partnerships aim to further diversify its fan base. With committed athletes like Jessica Pegula, Tommy Paul, and Denis Shapovalov already on board, the league's future appears promising.
As the December start date approaches, WTT's strategies and adjustments made in response to previous challenges will be closely watched by fans and industry observers. The league's ability to capitalize on its revamped format and digital integration initiatives may well determine its success in rekindling interest in team-based tennis.
For ongoing updates about the WTT and its engagement with fans, stay tuned to EpisodeBreakdown.
In the meantime, readers can explore previous articles covering related organizational shifts, such as Utopai Studios and DeNA's AI Projects in Japan or the Concluding Season of 'Chicken Shop Date'.
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