Could a Lawsuit Reshape the Future of Tennis?

The future of professional tennis is unclear.

The Professional Tennis Players Association (“PTPA”), founded just six years ago, isn’t messing around. Last Tuesday, the players association filed a historic lawsuit to “save” the sport.

Just read the title of the press release for the lawsuit it filed:

“The PTPA and Tennis Players File Historic Legal Actions Against Governing Bodies Exposing Corrupt, Illegal, and Abusive System”

Corrupt. Illegal. Abusive. That’s one way to describe the system.

Also in the press release, the PTPA states the major tennis governing bodies “operate as a cartel by implementing a number of draconian, interlocking anticompetitive restraints and abusive practices.”

The reason for filing the lawsuit?

According to PTPA Executive Director Ahmad Nassar, “Fixing these systemic failures isn’t about disrupting tennis—it’s about saving it for the generations of players and fans to come.”

Here’s what the PTPA is alleging:

Parties to the Action

Here are the individuals and organizations involved in the lawsuit:

Plaintiffs (on offense):

• Twelve professional tennis players, including PTPA co-founder Vasek Pospisil, on behalf of themselves and, according to the players association, “backed overwhelmingly by the top 250+ men’s and women’s players including a majority of the Top 20 players.”

• The Professional Tennis Players Association

Defendants (on defense):

• Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP)

• Women’s Tennis Association (WTA)

• International Tennis Federation (ITF)

• International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA)

The Complaint

Filed in the Southern District of New York, the 163-page complaint alleges the defendants violated antitrust law in several ways, including unlawfully restraining player compensation and other professional opportunities.

The press release highlights several arguments made throughout the complaint.

Here are some of the major arguments and evidence the PTPA points to in support:

Price Fixing

The defendants illegally collude to cap both (i) the prize money players make on the court and (ii) the opportunities players earn off the court.

• More than two billion people across 200 countries tuned in to watch tennis last year.

• Tennis players are paid 17% of revenues, compared to athletes from other pro sports like golf, basketball and football, which range between 35-50%.

• In 2024, the U.S. Open made $12.8M from the “honey deuce” specialty cocktail — more than the amount paid to both single champions combined.

Ranking Points System and Anticompetitive Effect

The defendants “draconian” system dictates (i) which tournaments players are able to compete in, (ii) sponsorship opportunities, and (iii) total compensation earned.

• This system simultaneously prevents players from competing in alternative events that could exist in a free market and prevents potential competitors from entering the market.

• By only awarding points to players who compete in defendant’s tournaments, the system “funnels players away from alternative events,” where they could earn additional compensation.

Player Schedule and Playing Conditions

• The pro tennis season lasts 11 months per year which makes little time for rest, recovery, and family time. Players have to spend their own money to travel and compete in tournaments across six continents.

• Last year, players were forced to compete in 100-degree heat, causing one player to collapse on the court in Miami. Players are forced to compete in matches that end at 3:00 a.m., and use “injury-inducing” tennis balls.

• In response to these conditions, players are told “this is what comes with the privilege of being a professional tennis player.”

Exploiting NIL and Violating Privacy Rights

• Players are forced to sign over their NIL rights for no compensation in return, which prevents them from entering into independent sponsorships. The governing bodies limit the number of sponsors a player may have.

• Defendants conduct invasive seraches of players’ personal devices, interrogate players without legal representation, and perform drug tests in the middle of the night

Looking Ahead + My Thoughts

My first reaction while reading through the allegations: there are three sides to every story — your side, my side, and the truth.

Plaintiffs certainly did not mince words, both in their complaint and press release:

• Lawsuits reveal how tennis’ corrupt governing bodies systemically abuse, silence, and exploit players to drive personal profits through monopolistic control 

• Tennis’ governing bodies’ wide-ranging and long-standing illegal practices have harmed players, fans, and the sport, and pose a grave threat to its future 

• Players seek a fair, transparent system that prioritizes their rights, health, and safety over the unchecked authority of the sport’s governing bodies, ensuring they receive the same protections and opportunities as professional athletes in other global sports

Defendants will, if I had to guess, most likely deny, explain their side of things, attempt to dismiss the complaint, and raise several defenses. How successful those defenses will be remains uncertain.

But make no mistake, this lawsuit represents what could be a major change in the structure and governance of professional tennis.

I’m still surprised at the lack of coverage the lawsuit has received. March Madness has captured the sports world's attention, but the multi-party lawsuit contains jarring allegations and carries significant implications for the future of the sport.

I’ll be closely monitoring this one.

Conversation Starters 🗣️

Amir “Aura” Khan Earns Over $100k in NIL Deals 💰

Who needs a Cinderella story when a team manager steals the show? Amir Khan, aka “Aura”, has headlined this year’s March Madness tournament. Khan inked deals with Buffalo Wild Wings, TickPick, Topps, and TurboTax to name a few. Next year, Khan will follow Coach Will Wade to NC State.

Former NFL, Michigan Coach Indicted on 24 Federal Charges 💻

According to prosecutors, between 2015 and 2024, former Coach Matt Weiss gained unauthorized access to personal identifiable information and medical data of over 150,000 student-athletes. Weiss specifically targeted female college athletes and accessed photos and videos “not meant to be shared beyond intimate partners.” The former coach has pleaded not guilty.

Xavier Worthy Sues Ex-Fiancée for Extortion, Abuse 📃

After the Chiefs WR was arrested earlier this month, the Texas DA announced they would not be filing charges. Worthy is now alleging his ex-fiancée damaged his property, stole 30k in cash, and ripped parts of his hair out. Worthy is seeking between $250k - $1M in damages, including punitive and exemplary damages.

And then there were 16! March Madness action resumes today. Hope your bracket isn’t too busted…

Happy almost weekend,

Duggs

Share The Sideline

Know someone who will enjoy this edition? Share it with them and have them sign up here: https://thesideline.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Sources:

https://www.ptpaplayers.com/legal-actions-filed/

https://www.sportico.com/law/analysis/2025/atp-antitrust-lawsuit-tennis-1234843461/

The Sideline’s work, including this article, is for information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. This article does not create an attorney-client relationship. The opinions expressed in the article belong solely to the author and do not express the views or opinions of the author’s employer.