New WTA 250 Event to Debut at Tennis Memphis’ Leftwich Tennis Center
Professional women’s tennis is officially set to return to Memphis with the launch of the Memphis Classic, a new WTA 250 tournament, bringing world‑class athletes and global attention back to Memphis under a multi-year deal.
The WTA 250 tournament will be staged at Leftwich Tennis Center July 25–August 2, 2026, aligning the Memphis Classic with the kickoff of the U.S. summer hard‑court swing and offering fans eight days of top‑tier competition and experiences.
“This is a major win for Memphis and a powerful affirmation of the investment we have made in Leftwich Tennis Center,” said City of Memphis Mayor Paul Young. “Hosting the Memphis Classic at Leftwich puts one of our premier city-owned facilities on the global stage and brings world-class tennis to Memphis.”
The Leftwich Tennis Center completed a multimillion-dollar renovation and expansion in 2023. The joint venture by the City of Memphis, the University of Memphis, and Tennis Memphis, a non-profit affiliated with the USTA’s Foundation, boasts 24 outdoor and 12 indoor tennis courts.
“This tournament reflects our mission to expand access and opportunity through tennis,” said John Borden, CEO of Tennis Memphis, the primary beneficiary of the tournament. “Hosting a WTA 250 event at Leftwich energizes our city’s vibrant tennis culture and supports year‑round programming that serves Memphis families.”
The WTA event is operated by Topnotch Management, a leading global sports agency based in Cleveland. Topnotch represents a roster of some of the world’s leading athletes and manages a portfolio of professional sports events around the U.S.
“Memphis knows pro tennis, and we are so excited to bring it back,” said Kyle Ross, Tournament Director of Memphis Classic. “Our WTA 250 event will deliver elite competition at one of the top municipal tennis facilities in the country, creating new opportunities for fans, partners, and the community to connect with the global game right here in Memphis.”
The tournament has already confirmed the national inaugural sponsors of the event and expects to welcome additional partners across the Memphis community and beyond. In addition to the sport, the event will feature entertainment, food, and beverage offerings for a distinctly Memphis experience.
The Memphis tournament will feature a 32‑player singles draw and WTA 250‑level ranking points and prize money, welcoming many of the game’s rising stars and established champions. The player field will be confirmed four weeks prior to the event. The custom stadium at Leftwich will pair an intimate viewing experience for all fans, with modern fan amenities including VIP hospitality areas, creating an atmosphere that showcases the athletes up close and celebrates Memphis culture on and off the court.
Information about ticketing, sponsorships, the player field, and more will be released in the coming weeks; sign up on Memphisclassic.com to be the first to receive the latest news. Follow along on Facebook and Instagram.
For more information, visit Wtatennis.com and Tennismemphis.org.
