The first quarter of 2023 featured significant work, and major progress, for the PTPA. While there’s much more to be done in the coming months, here’s a look back at some of the highlights from Q1.
Formed First Executive Committee
In January, the PTPA announced the formation of its first-ever Executive Committee, featuring eight men’s and women’s players.
The inaugural Executive Committee includes:
- Paula Badosa
- Novak Djokovic
- Hubert Hurkacz
- John Isner
- Ons Jabeur
- Bethanie Mattek-Sands
- Vasek Pospisil
- Saisai Zheng
These players will serve as the Association’s player leadership throughout 2023, providing direct input on and direction to the PTPA’s efforts, as well as serving as liaisons to the larger ATP and WTA player pools. The Executive Committee mirrors other players associations’ leadership structures – structures that have proven to be crucial and highly impactful in having strong and diverse player representation on all matters of importance.
Finalized Principles and By-Laws
The PTPA released its official principles as a commitment to helping navigate effectively between different tennis stakeholders on behalf of men’s and women’s tennis players worldwide. The principles serve as a guiding “roadmap” to the Association’s efforts, clearly outlining key priorities that the PTPA is focused on addressing.
Meetings with 250+ Players
With a focus on building relationships, the PTPA hit the road to meet with hundreds of players at various tournaments, along with hosting virtual introductions and meetings with players.
Players, want to set up a meeting? Complete our contact form here.
Closed First Group Licensing Deal in Tennis History
In March, the PTPA and Winners Alliance – the Association’s for-profit affiliate – announced a new partnership with Fanatics Collectibles. This is the first group licensing deal in tennis history.
Through the partnership, women’s and men’s tennis players have the opportunity to be included in a broad-scale group licensing trading card set program through Fanatics’ cornerstone brand, Topps. The trading card initiative is a key part of Winners Alliance’s overarching vision to establish a sustainable group licensing program that generates incremental revenues for players while also contributing to the growth of tennis overall.
On-Site Player Events at Australian Open, Indian Wells, Miami Open
The PTPA hosted three major player events to kick off the 2023 tour season. In Melbourne, the PTPA hosted its first player meeting of the year, during which Executive Director Ahmad Nassar reviewed progress made since his hiring in fall 2022 and key priorities for the remainder of 2023. View highlights of the Australian Open player presentation here.
Next, the PTPA headed to Indian Wells to host a player-exclusive mixer and thought-leadership panel on athlete empowerment. The panel featured thought leaders from across the sports & entertainment industry offering their perspectives on how athletes can push their sport forward and maximize their successes on and off court. Check out top moments from the panel here.
Miami saw the PTPA host its second event in collaboration with Citi Taste of Tennis. Leading up to the event, the PTPA and Citi Taste of Tennis announced a new strategic partnership focused on providing new player programming and expanded hospitality. Read more on the partnership here.
Expanded Team: 9 Full-Time Staff
Seven months after the hiring of Executive Director Ahmad Nassar, the PTPA now has nine full-time staff devoted to its mission. In addition to Ahmad, the team has added five personnel to its leadership and executive staff based in offices around the world.
Partnered with Sales Agency to Drive Player GLA Deals
The PTPA announced a partnership with CSM, a leading global sport and entertainment agency, to close out Q1. CSM will serve as the official partnership development agency for the PTPA and Winners Alliance, with a focus on bringing new partnership opportunities to professional tennis players as a collective.