World Team Tennis Returns This December With Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, Taylor Fritz and More

World Team Tennis (WTT) is making its highly anticipated return this December, bringing together some of the biggest names in professional tennis for a reimagined team competition that combines world-class tennis with music, entertainment, and hometown pride.

Originally founded in 1974 by Billie Jean King and others, World Team Tennis helped pioneer mixed-gender professional team competition. Over its first 46 seasons, the league featured some of the sport’s greatest players, including Serena and Venus Williams, Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras, Steffi Graf, Martina Navratilova, Chris Evert, Björn Borg, John McEnroe, and Maria Sharapova.

Now, after its most recent season in 2021, WTT is returning for its 47th season with new ownership, a modernized format, and a renewed focus on bringing fans closer to the action.

The 2026 season will feature three teams: the Florida Flamingos, New York Empire, and Toronto North. Each club brings together established ATP and WTA stars and rising talents, giving fans an opportunity to support their city while watching some of the best players in the world compete alongside one another.

For Florida tennis fans, the biggest attraction will be the return of the Florida Flamingos, a franchise that dates back to WTT's inaugural 1974 season.

The Flamingos will feature an impressive roster led by Coco Gauff, who has also joined the franchise as a player-owner. Joining Gauff are Tommy Paul, Learner Tien, Iva Jovic, Eva Lys, and Brandon Nakashima.

The New York Empire will feature Jessica Pegula, Taylor Fritz, Frances Tiafoe, Camila Osorio, and Michael Zheng. Meanwhile, Toronto North will represent Canada with Victoria Mboko, Leylah Fernandez, Denis Shapovalov, and Gabriel Diallo.

Beyond the star-studded rosters, one of the biggest changes is the competition format. Instead of traditional individual matches, each WTT match night will feature four singles sets—two men's and two women's—followed by a mixed doubles SuperTiebreaker.

Singles matches will use no-ad scoring, meaning one deciding point determines the winner of a game at deuce. The mixed doubles finale will take place regardless of the score, ensuring fans experience both individual competition and team play throughout the evening.

The format allows spectators to watch eight different players compete in singles during one night, followed by the mixed doubles finale. Every set contributes to the overall team result, creating a fast-paced competition where each point matters.

WTT is also looking to create an experience that extends beyond tennis. Matches will take place in major professional sports arenas, incorporating music, entertainment, hospitality, and elements of fashion and lifestyle.

Unlike an exhibition, WTT operates as a competitive professional league, with players competing for individual and team victories. The league has also introduced a player equity model, giving participating athletes a stake in its future growth.

The six-night season begins December 1 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, where the Florida Flamingos will face the New York Empire. The opening matchup will feature Tommy Paul against Taylor Fritz, Learner Tien against Frances Tiafoe, Iva Jovic against Jessica Pegula, and Eva Lys against Camila Osorio.

New York will host Toronto North on December 2 before the competition moves to Coca-Cola Coliseum in Toronto for matches on December 5 and 6.

The season will then conclude with two highly anticipated match nights in South Florida at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise.

On December 14, the Florida Flamingos will face Toronto North, with Coco Gauff scheduled to play Victoria Mboko, Tommy Paul taking on Gabriel Diallo, Learner Tien facing Denis Shapovalov, and Iva Jovic competing against Leylah Fernandez.

The following evening, December 15, the Flamingos will host the New York Empire in what promises to be one of the biggest attractions of the season.

That night will feature a highly anticipated matchup between Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula, two of the biggest stars in American women's tennis. Fans will also see Tommy Paul face Michael Zheng, Learner Tien take on Frances Tiafoe, and Iva Jovic compete against Camila Osorio.

Both Florida match nights will conclude with mixed doubles SuperTiebreakers, including Gauff and Tien teaming up against Pegula and Tiafoe on December 15.

For South Florida tennis enthusiasts, the return of World Team Tennis represents a unique opportunity to experience elite professional tennis in a different environment. Rather than following individual players through a traditional tournament draw, fans can support their hometown team, enjoy multiple matchups in one evening, and experience the atmosphere of a major indoor sporting event.

With an impressive collection of established stars, exciting young players, and a fresh approach to professional team competition, World Team Tennis is preparing to bring a new level of energy to the sport this December.

Tickets for all six match nights are now available through the official World Team Tennis ticketing website. Fans can also explore premium hospitality packages and group ticket options.

For the latest matchups, player announcements, and schedule updates, visit World Team Tennis.

===

Source: World Team Tennis