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RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (Sept. 16, 2024) — The USPTA, which was established nearly a century ago to help promote and embrace professionals in tennis, has changed its name and expanded and refined its mission and goals, to prepare for the next 100 years.

The organization is now the “Racquet Sports Professionals Association,” or RSPA. The announcement was made by CEO Brian Dillman at the opening session of the organization’s annual conference in Palm Springs, Calif., today. As attendees left the packed session, they were greeted by signage and products with the new name and logo.

But, as Dillman pointed out in his presentation, “The Future of the USPTA,” it’s much more than simply a name change. “We’re going to change for the industry and the market so we can all move forward together,” he said. “There’s never been a better time to be in the racquets industry. The opportunity for us now is to actually lean in.

“This is much more than a rebrand,” he added. “This is about you, on and off the court. It’s about us being your resource, your ally and your friend in this industry. We’re going to change for the industry and the market, so we can all move forward together.”

With the new name comes a focus on what Dillman called “career pathing” for RSPA members. He adds that the “core identity” for the RSPA involves continuous improvement, community focus, unity across all racquet sports, and excellence on and off the court.

The new mission is to “elevate careers in racquet sports with a certified professional on every court, inspiring people in every sport.”

Core pillars for the RSPA are membership development (“We need more members, and new members,” said Dillman); partnership development; brand strength (“We have to promote this brand”); value enhancement; and organizational excellence.

Dillman added that the “core identity” for the RSPA involves continuous improvement, community focus, unity across all racquet sports, and excellence on and off the court.

The change in name and mission was made after talking with hundreds of members and pros across the country, and with the full support of the organization’s leadership, Dillman said. “All of what we’re about to see came from you, it came from listening,” he said as he unveiled the new changes. “What I heard [from members and others in the industry] was we need more. We have to do a better job of listening and communicating. We need to communicate more; to let people know who we are. The consumer doesn’t know who the USPTA is—and they should.

“The other thing I heard was evolution—things are changing. We have to change our mindset and continue to encourage people to get into this industry. We do need younger people, but we also need people who care.”

The new logo maintains the USPTA “star,” but includes a “multi-ball,” with tennis in the middle (“Tennis is our core,” Dillman said), flanked by pickleball and padel. Individual sports, including squash and platform tennis, will also have separate logos or “badges” for them.

“So much went into this, and now we have a lot of work to do, and it’s all for you,” Dillman said. “This is the opportunity to turn your passion into a full pursuit. And we can’t wait to help you be the better you, you can be.”