The city of McKinney is preparing to host the Billie Jean King Cup by Gainbridge Play-off, a prestigious international tennis competition, at The Courts of McKinney in Gabe Nesbitt Park on Nov. 16-17, 2024.
This highly anticipated event will feature top women's tennis players from Ukraine and Austria competing in a best-of-five match series. "Hosting a tournament of this caliber showcases our world-class facilities and puts McKinney on the global stage," said Mayor George Fuller in an official statement. "Moreover, we are proud to provide a home for the Ukrainian team during such a challenging time, demonstrating our city's commitment to supporting recreation and cultural exchanges."
The play-off, one of eight taking place worldwide in November, begins with two singles matches on Nov. 16, followed by two reverse singles and a doubles match on Nov. 17. The winners will advance to the Billie Jean King Cup Qualifier by Gainbridge, scheduled for April 2025. If a nation secures victory early, the schedule will be adjusted accordingly.
Tickets, priced from $35 to $95, are available for both days of competition. Visitors can also find links to nearby accommodations, dining options and other attractions to enhance their experience here. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Svitolina Foundation and the Bush-Wikse ACE Outreach Program, both of which support access to tennis for young athletes worldwide.
The Billie Jean King Cup, formerly known as the Federation Cup and Fed Cup, is the world’s largest annual international women’s team tennis competition. Launched in 1963 by the International Tennis Federation (ITF), it now features over 130 nations. Inspired by an original concept from 1919, the tournament gives female tennis players a platform to represent their countries, similar to the men's Davis Cup. The competition was rebranded in 2020 in honor of Billie Jean King, a champion both on and off the court, reflecting her advocacy for equality and social justice.
More information, including a final schedule and confirmed players, will be announced soon. Check back here for more details.
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