USTA chief leaving for New York Mets job

Image: Citi Field, lisatozzi, CC BY 2.0

U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) chief executive Lew Sherr is leaving the organization to join Major League Baseball’s (MLB) New York Mets.

The Mirror said Sherr will leave his role at the end of June to join the New York Mets, following his recent involvement in the Arthur Ashe Stadium renovation plans.

Earlier in April, Sherr announced an ambitious $800 million makeover for Arthur Ashe Stadium, the prestigious site of the U.S. Open.

The revamp includes expanded hospitality areas, a state-of-the-art player performance center, and a fresh tournament format.

The latest $800 million transformation will take shape over three phases and be completed by the 2027 U.S. Open, without interrupting play or fan access for the 2025-26 events.

The project will comprehensively enhance and modernize the US Open’s centerpiece, Arthur Ashe Stadium, elevating the experience for all fans inside tennis’ grandest stage.

However, despite the upcoming U.S. Open, Sherr will depart from the USTA to take on a new challenge as president of business operations for the Mets, leaving at the end of June.

The New York Mets are an American professional baseball team based in the New York City borough of Queens. The Mets compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (NL) East Division.

The Mirror further stated that having assumed leadership of the USTA in August 2022, Sherr navigated the organization through financial adjustments due to the pandemic.

Under his guidance, the U.S. Open saw record-breaking attendance with over one million fans and generated revenues exceeding $500 million, underscoring his successful tenure.

Sherr, a seasoned sports business professional with a history at Madison Square Garden, has been instrumental in the USTA’s overhaul of its elite player development program for American talent.

Sherr said, “This is truly a bittersweet moment. Over the past 15 years, the USTA has been so much more than just a workplace – it has been a community, a purpose, and a passion.

“While I will no longer be leading from within, I will always be cheering on the USTA and the work ahead.

“I’m immensely proud of what we’ve accomplished together and even more excited to see where our talented team takes it next.”

Sherr will replace Scott Havens at the Mets, the latter having served as the franchise’s president of business operations since 2023.

Sherr’s departure ushers in USTA board chairman Brian Vahaly and chief operating officer Andrea Hirsch stepping in as co-chief executives temporarily.

The association is set to launch a search for a permanent leader.

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