STACEY ALLASTER
CHIEF EXECUTIVE, PROFESSIONAL TENNIS & U.S. OPEN TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR, UNITED STATES TENNIS ASSOCIATION, ORLANDO
The USTA is U.S. tennis’ national, not-for-profit governing body whose mission is “growing tennis to inspire healthier people and communities everywhere.” It owns and operates the U.S. Open, directing all profits from that event to promote tennis at the community level throughout the country. Allaster has been with the organization for nine years. The USTA employs approximately 500 people, over half of whom are based at the USTA National Campus in Lake Nona. She also is a trustee for the Women’s Sports Foundation, which advocates for gender equity in sports.
EDUCATION: University of Western Ontario
(BA, MBA, JS)
FIRST JOB: My very first paying job involved a significant paper route. Instead of a single route, I managed three, totaling 1,500 homes ... throughout a small Canadian town near the Buffalo, N.Y., border.
SOMETHING SURPRISING: While my professional life involves a great deal of extroversion, when connecting with people, I find that my natural inclination is towards introversion outside of work. My husband often jokes that I am out of words by the time I get home!
PASSION PROJECT: I’m embarking upon a personal project, “Time to Start Living,” which begins a two-year transition with the USTA. ... My aim is to create a life centered on fun, freedom, impact and legacy. I want to leverage my time, talent and resources to empower young people through sports, mentor future diverse leaders, and pursue consulting and influential roles in the sport and entertainment industry.
INDUSTRY TREND: U.S. tennis participation has reached a record of 25.7 million players, marking five years of growth. This represents a 45% increase since 2020. In addition, the sport is becoming increasingly diverse, with a 100% rise in Black players and a 125% increase in Hispanic players. A notable aspect of growth also includes younger demographics, with players under 35 comprising nearly two-thirds of new participants in 2024.
