By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Monday, December 9, 2024
Photo credit: Court 16 Facebook
In its aim to make tennis more accessible, the USTA is investing in Court 16.
The USTA today announced that its sinvestment initiative USTA Ventures has invested in Court 16, a New York-based company that offers tennis in unique and technologically advanced formats through its network of indoor tennis clubs.
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Founded in Brooklyn in 2014, Court 16’s presence now includes locations in Long Island City, Downtown Brooklyn, Manhattan’s Financial District, and forthcoming locations in Philadelphia and Westchester’s Ridge Hill, opening in 2025. Court 16 provides an innovative and inclusive tennis experience, where kids, adults and families can connect, learn and grow both on and off the court. Delivering dynamic tennis programming, Court 16’s cutting-edge curriculum builds a strong technical foundation, develops well-rounded athletes, and inspires a true passion for the sport.
Pros, including Carlos Alcaraz, Felix Auger-Aliassime and Leylah Fernandez have conducted clinics at Court 16 in Long Island City.
“Court 16’s unique programming model creates greater accessibility for our sport, delivering tennis and building community in locations that may not otherwise have access due to space limitations or financial constraints,” said Ted Loehrke, Managing Director, Section Partnerships, USTA. “Our mission is growing tennis to inspire healthier people and communities everywhere, and Court 16 has shown that it can help us to deliver this amazing sport year-round to players and potential players in major markets across the country.”
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It is the second investment made by the USTA Strategic Investment Committee, through USTA Ventures.
Earlier this year, USTA Ventures announced its investment in PlayReplay, a tennis technology company featuring an electronic line-calling (ELC) system set to increase access to accurate, user-friendly ELC for junior, adult and recreational play nationwide. Formed in 2023, the committee is “focused on acquiring equity stakes in technologies and other companies that will help advance the USTA’s mission,” the USTA said in a statement.
