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A new era: ITF transforms into World Tennis with a vision to provide ‘world of opportunities’ through the sport

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Global governing body targets long-term sustainable growth through participation, powering future stars, enhancing nations competitions, driving innovation and ensuring greater investmentWorld Tennis reveals 30+ percent growth in global participation ambition – from 106 million players today to 140 million by 2035

LONDON, June 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The International Tennis Federation (ITF), the organisation that has governed tennis on a global basis since 1913, today became World Tennis, and announced its vision for the long-term sustainable growth of the sport worldwide.

The transformation to World Tennis marks the start of a new era for the organisation, which is committing to unlock a ‘world of opportunities’ for people of all abilities, ages and backgrounds – both on and off the court – at the heart of its ambition for the future success of one of the world’s most popular sports.

In an open letter co-signed by David Haggerty (World Tennis President) and Ross Hutchins (World Tennis Chief Executive), World Tennis pledged to reinvest back into the game at least 85% of all income it generates each year for the next decade – empowering its 214 national tennis associations – and committed to drive collaboration across the sport.

World Tennis has outlined five strategic priorities to achieve its ambition for tennis:

Growing participation
Connect and align one of the largest networks of national associations across world sport to increase the number of recreational players, and enable more people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the proven health and social benefits of tennis.Powering future stars
Deliver further enhancements to the World Tennis global player pathway – the main talent pipeline to the professional game – build new markets and provide more competitive opportunities all over the world.Elevating official nations competitions
Strengthen the Davis Cup, Billie Jean King Cup and World Team Cup events; the pinnacle of national representation in tennis and pathway to the Olympic and Paralympic GamesEnsuring a sport fit for the future
Lead the way ensuring tennis appeals to future audiences; innovating, connecting nations digitally, protecting integrity and trust, evolving governance and advancing player wellbeingRaising investment to grow the game
Securing new and stronger revenue streams along with value-driven long-term partnerships, and support reinvestment into tennis via national tennis associations worldwide.

World Tennis today also revealed its goal for the sport to achieve ambitious new levels of global participation, targeting strong growth in the numbers playing tennis worldwide from 106 million players to 140 million by 2035 – an increase of more than 30 percent.

David Haggerty, World Tennis President, said: “Today is an opportunity to redefine our role at the heart of world tennis and pledge our commitment to ensuring a strong, sustainable future for this brilliant sport. World Tennis reflects who we are, our global footprint and unique mandate.

“Our ambition is to grow the game in all corners of the world, hand-in-hand with 214 national tennis associations and stakeholders across the tennis ecosystem. This includes increasing participation, further developing the pathway for future stars to rise to the top, and providing more access, regardless of age, gender or background.”

Ross Hutchins, World Tennis Chief Executive, said: “Tennis can unlock a world of opportunities both on and off the court, no matter who or where you are. This is at the very heart of our role at World Tennis, where our responsibilities are just as relevant to a world number one as to the child who hasn’t yet picked up a racket.

“We begin this exciting new era with a clear vision for our amazing sport to thrive, support stronger communities and help more people to enjoy healthier, happier and longer lives through tennis. We will be bold in our actions to achieve global growth, create more opportunities for all and deliver more investment for every level of our game. And we intend to achieve that future together with all those passionate about tennis around the world.”

Listening to the global tennis community

Today, World Tennis has also launched the first-ever Global Tennis Fan Survey – an open invitation to fans and tennis communities in every country to share their views and ensure their voices are heard as the sport evolves in the years ahead.

Every survey respondent will be entered into a draw to win an all expenses paid trip for two to the 2026 Davis Cup Finals in Bologna, Italy.

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LEAP Group Relaunches HumanView, a Growth Intelligence System Built to Explain Why Customers Behave the Way They Do

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2 hours ago

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October 24, 2026

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Reimagined from the ground up, HumanView pairs statistical modeling with expert analysts to turn millions of real-world customer signals into business decisions

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LEAP Group today announced the relaunch of HumanView, its growth intelligence service. The new version has been rebuilt from the ground up and now has a dedicated home at leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

HumanView analyzes what customers say and do across social platforms, e-commerce sites, review platforms, search behavior and user-generated content, including signals from Reddit, TikTok, YouTube, Meta, Amazon and Walmart+ that general AI tools cannot always access. Because the data reflects unprompted, real-world behavior, it avoids the response bias built into surveys and focus groups.

The service works in three layers. HumanView captures signals at scale, decodes millions of records through validated statistical models such as regression, correlation and clustering, and then relies on experienced analysts to interpret the patterns. Clients receive clear, human-validated insights instead of another dashboard.

“Machines find the patterns. Humans find the point,” said Alan Gilleo, CEO at LEAP Group. “The first version of HumanView showed us how much customers reveal when nobody is asking them questions. This version is built to explain why they act the way they do, and to put those answers in front of everyone making decisions, from product to service to marketing.”

HumanView focuses on three areas:

Growth Intelligence: customer motivations and how people perceive a brand and its competitors

Market and Category Intelligence: product pain points, service friction, unmet needs and competitive gaps

Audience Intelligence: new segments, positioning opportunities and gaps in the market

Every model is designed and validated by data scientists and benchmarked before it informs a recommendation.

To learn more about HumanView, visit leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

About LEAP Group
LEAP Group is a boutique marketing agency holding company with offices in Louisville, Indianapolis, Cincinnati and Chicago. Guided by the belief that brands should “Market Less. Matter More.,” LEAP gives clients access to specialized experts across its entire network. Learn more at leapgroupnetwork.com.

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SOURCE LEAP Group

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STEPHEN A. SMITH ADDRESSES WHITE HOUSE DINNER ATTENDANCE, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO HBCUs AND PROTECTING CORPORATE INVESTMENT IN BLACK EDUCATION

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3 hours ago

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October 24, 2026

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NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Stephen A. Smith, media mogul, New York Times bestselling author, and proud 1991 graduate of Winston-Salem State University, is addressing the public discussion surrounding his decision to attend a White House dinner with President Donald Trump, emphasizing his commitment to the long-term financial stability of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

For Smith, the decision was rooted in a commitment to institutions that have educated generations of Black leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and public servants.

“I will always advocate for HBCUs and the students whose futures depend on them,” Smith said. “My reason for attending the White House dinner was to discuss the challenges these institutions face in securing long-term funding and to make the case that corporate America must continue to invest in them.”

Smith acknowledged federal support through the FUTURE Act while expressing concern that political tensions surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) could discourage private companies from supporting HBCUs. He maintains that these institutions deserve sustained corporate partnerships, philanthropic contributions, and public investment.

“If we truly believe in free-market capitalism, businesses should be able to support educational institutions and charitable causes without fear of criticism or repercussions,” Smith said. “HBCUs have made extraordinary contributions to this country. They deserve sustained public and private investment.”

Ashley Christopher, Esq., Founder and CEO of the HBCU Week Foundation, recognized Smith’s advocacy and decision to engage with the administration.

“Stephen A. Smith has been a powerful advocate for HBCUs, using his platform and influence to shine a national spotlight on our institutions,” expressed Christopher, “His continued support of HBCU Week helps advance our mission of connecting students with life-changing educational opportunities, and we are proud to have him as our ambassador.”

Since Smith became an HBCU Week Ambassador in 2019, the initiative has facilitated more than 15,000 on-the-spot college acceptances and raised and awarded more than $150 million in scholarships, according to the HBCU Week Foundation.

As public discussion continues, Smith is emphasizing the importance of ensuring HBCUs have the resources and partnerships needed to educate future generations and expand opportunities for students.

CLICK HERE to watch Smith’s full response to his White House visit.

MEDIA CONTACT:

media@mrsasinc.com

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SOURCE Straight Shooter Media

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Advantex Announces Completion of Financing and Extension of Maturity Date of Previously Issued Debentures

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3 hours ago

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October 24, 2026

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TORONTO, Oct. 23, 2026 /CNW/ — Advantex Marketing International Inc. (CSE: ADX) (“Advantex”), a leader in the merchant cash advance and loyalty marketing products for merchants, today announced the completion of a $250,000 secured debt financing. Advantex issued a $250,000 non-convertible debenture which bears an interest rate at 12% per annum and matures December 15, 2027. The proceeds raised from this issuance of the Debenture will be used for working capital purposes.

Advantex has also extended the maturity of its existing $700,000 in 12% secured debentures from October 10, 2026 to December 15, 2027.

About Advantex Marketing International Inc.

Advantex provides working capital to merchants. Advantex also provides specialized marketing programs that enable members of Aeroplan to earn Aeroplan points at participating merchants.

Advantex shares trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol ADX. For more information go to Advantex’s profile on www.sedar.com

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the future business and operations of Advantex. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The business and operations of Advantex described herein is dependent on a number of factors and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ material include, but are not limited to, changes in Advantex’s economic and competitive conditions including but not limited to the industry sectors in which Advantex operates.

The statements in this news release are made of the date of this release. Forward-looking statements are made based on management’s beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date the statements are made and Advantex undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable law.

SOURCE Advantex Marketing International Inc.

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