ITF Media Release, October 16, 2025
The International Tennis Federation (ITF) will become ‘World Tennis’ in 2026, following an overwhelming majority vote from its member national tennis associations in favour of the proposal at the ITF Annual General Meeting today.
Recommended by the ITF Board and Executive, the name change is designed to better reflect the organisation’s role as the sport’s global governing body and guardian, as well as the essential role it plays alongside its member nations to grow and develop tennis worldwide.
The name World Tennis has been chosen following an extensive period of research and interviews with stakeholders across the sport, which confirmed the need for a name that more effectively captured the magnitude of the organisation’s role and relevance to the tennis ecosystem through its 213 member national associations.
The change will provide a clearer identity that is more relevant to players, fans, partners and tennis stakeholders around the world, and brings the brand in line with a majority of sport’s most prominent global governing bodies.
The name change forms part of a gradual evolution of the organisation’s brand which has progressed in recent years with the growth of sub-brands such as the World Tennis Tour and World Tennis Number.
It is also part of a long-term strategy that aims to unlock greater engagement, recognition and investment across all areas of tennis – from grassroots participation to elite competitions.
David Haggerty, ITF President, said: “After more than 110 years of proud history as the ITF, I’m truly excited for our future as World Tennis as we continue to grow our contribution to the development of the game in all corners of the globe. World Tennis better reflects who we are today; the global governing body and guardian of tennis, working hard with our members to deliver tennis for life.
“This evolution follows extensive consultation across the global tennis community and reflects our shared ambition to strengthen, unify and grow the game worldwide. We look forward to revealing our new identity and wider plans in the coming months.”
Founded as the International Lawn Tennis Federation in Paris in 1913, the organisation became the International Tennis Federation in 1977.
The ITF’s trading name will be updated on 1st January 2026, and the new World Tennis brand will be launched in summer 2026 as part of a phased rollout plan.
