SportsBusiness Daily — Sports Business Resources — your sports business news and information source. Learn More
Advanced
Home About Us Advertise With Us Marketplace/Classifieds College & University Program Subscribe/Trial My Account

Tuesday
March 17, 2009
Print This Issue


 
MOST VIEWED STORIES
View the top 20 stories
 
Recent Issues
Leagues & Governing Bodies

Helfant Monitoring Impact Of Economy On ATP World Tour

Helfant Notes He Has A Lot
To Learn About Tennis Industry
ATP World Tour Exec Chair & President Adam Helfant said any discussion of the "challenges and opportunities" for the Tour "has to start with the global economic situation, which has an impact on virtually everything," according to Paul Macpherson of ATPWORLDTOUR.com. Helfant said, "We are certainly not recession proof and we're monitoring the effects on our tournaments in particular, and seeing how it is affecting fans' habits. We know it’s had a big effect on hospitality and the sponsorship environment is very different." He added, "I know there is a thought that the sport has not necessarily commercialised its appeal to the extent that it could, and I’m hopeful we can do better in that regard. That’s a real opportunity for us, obviously tempered by the economic climate." Helfant noted he is "not a classic tennis insider," and there is a "lot to learn." Helfant: "Rather than come into the position thinking that I know everything, I understand I have a lot to learn. I will talk to as many people as possible, focusing on players and tournament directors, who we represent as a member organisation, as well as others in the industry who think we should be doing things differently. I’ve found there’s no shortage of folks willing to give their input, which is a positive thing. Meeting with senior management and staff at our offices has also been a priority." Helfant said of his priorities for the coming months, "I’m serious about talking to as many people as possible early on to get their perspectives. ... I’m not interested in making change for change sake. But we won’t be afraid to make changes when it’s in the best interests of the game" (ATPWORLDTOUR.com, 3/13).


Get A Free Trial To SportsBusiness Daily

Reader Comments

To post comments on this article, log in or register for a free trial.

Related Stories By Company Related Stories By Sport
Murray Signs Five-Year Deal With adidas
November 4, 2009 : SportsBusiness Daily

Judge: Issues Close In Appeal Of ATP Case
November 3, 2009 : SportsBusiness Daily

ATP Denied Legal Fees From '08 Court Case
October 19, 2009 : SportsBusiness Daily

Tennis Growth In Asia Depends On Stars
October 16, 2009 : SportsBusiness Daily

ATP Players Complain About Season Length
October 13, 2009 : SportsBusiness Daily

Murray Signs Five-Year Deal With adidas
November 4, 2009 : SportsBusiness Daily

Judge: Issues Close In Appeal Of ATP Case
November 3, 2009 : SportsBusiness Daily

Federer To Serve As Ambassador For Lindt
October 30, 2009 : SportsBusiness Daily

Mercedes-Benz Signs U.S. Open Deal
October 27, 2009 : SportsBusiness Daily

Outback Tour Sues Charlotte Tennis Club
October 21, 2009 : SportsBusiness Daily

ALSO IN THIS SECTION


A Publication of Street & Smith's Sports Group.
Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (REVISED 2009-06-23) and Privacy Policy (REVISED 2009-06-23).

© 2009 Street & Smith's Sports Group and its licensors. All rights reserved.
The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Street & Smith's Sports Group.