McKinney welcomes Ukrainian tennis team as host for Billie Jean King Cup Play-off

McKinney will be host to the Billie Jean King Cup by Gainbridge Play-off Nov. 16 - 17

McKINNEY, Texas (Nov. 7, 2024) - The City of McKinney and Visit McKinney are honored to offer a supportive home base to top women's players from Ukraine for the upcoming Billie Jean King Cup by Gainbridge Play-off on Nov. 16 - 17. Due to Ukraine's ongoing challenges, this year's match between Ukraine and Austria will be held at The Courts of McKinney at Gabe Nesbitt Park, providing a welcoming home court for Ukraine's top players.

"McKinney has always been a community that values hospitality and coming together to support one another," said Mayor George Fuller. "While Ukraine is dealing with a terrible war that prevents the team from playing on their home courts, McKinney proudly steps in as a surrogate host. We know our community will provide an environment where the Ukrainian team can feel uplifted by our residents and sports fans."

The competition will be a best-of-five match series and one of eight held worldwide in November. The winners will advance to the Billie Jean King Cup Qualifier by Gainbridge next April. The play-off begins on Saturday, Nov. 16, with two singles matches. Two reverse singles matches and a doubles match will follow on Sunday, Nov. 17. If one nation clinches victory in the third or fourth singles match, the schedule will be amended.

"We are deeply grateful for the unwavering support from the City of McKinney, Visit McKinney, and the Bush Tennis Center during these challenging times for Ukraine," said Anna Popovchenko, CEO of the Svitolina Foundation and board member of the Ukrainian Tennis Federation. "Having a welcoming home base where our team feels embraced and uplifted means so much to us. This warm gesture of solidarity reminds us that we are not alone, and we are confident that the McKinney community and its sports fans will make us feel at home. We look forward to bringing our passion and fighting spirit to The Courts of McKinney and sharing this special experience with everyone who comes to support us."

The Billie Jean King Cup Play-off marks the first time McKinney hosts an international tennis event of this scale, reflecting the city's commitment to sports tourism. With the recent addition of a $11 million indoor facility, The Courts of McKinney stands as a premier sports venue capable of welcoming the world's top talent.

"This international event reflects McKinney's dedication to fostering sports tourism and enhancing our city's profile as a premier destination for world-class events," said Aaron Werner, Director of Visit McKinney. "We're proud to welcome athletes and fans from around the globe, who will not only experience our exceptional facilities and hospitality but also contribute to our local economy by staying in our hotels, dining in our restaurants, and shopping in our stores."

Tickets and VIP hospitality packages are on sale now for Saturday, Nov. 16and Sunday, Nov.17. Proceeds from ticket sales will support the Svitolina Foundation and the Bush-Wikse ACE Outreach Program, both of which provide resources for youth worldwide to access tennis programs and equipment.