USTA CEO Lew Sherr | Photo courtesy of Tennis Magazine
NEW YORK – Following the United States Tennis Association’s (USTA) announcement of the renovation and modernization plan for the Arthur Ashe Stadium, Lew Sherr is stepping down as CEO, effective June 30, 2025. He has accepted a new professional opportunity with the New York Mets as president of operations in July 2025.
Sherr has been with the USTA for 15 years, serving as Chief Revenue Officer for 12 years before becoming CEO in 2022. According to the USTA, during Sherr’s tenure, he oversaw significant growth in tennis participation, record-breaking attendance at the US Open, and major increases in sponsorship and revenue. His departure comes just months before the 2025 US Open, which is expected to set new attendance and revenue records.
USTA Board Chairman Brian Vahaly and Chief Operating Officer Andrea Hirsch will serve as interim co-CEOs while the organization searches for a permanent replacement. This transition period could bring changes in strategic direction depending on the new leadership. The interim leadership will need to ensure a smooth execution of the tournament.
Vahaly thanked Sherr for “his many years of service to our sport and wished him nothing but the best in his new role.” In a statement, Vahaly said, “The USTA is in an exceptionally strong position. Tennis participation is at an all-time high, and the US Open is experiencing unprecedented popularity and record-breaking attendance. We have a solid foundation and real momentum – and Andrea and I are committed to continuing that progress as we prepare for the next chapter.”
Observers say that with Sherr stepping down, interim leadership will need to ensure a smooth transition just months before the 2025 US Open, which is expected to set new records. Also, Sherr’s departure raises questions about how the USTA’s $800 million investment will be managed moving forward..
Sherr spearheaded efforts to increase tennis participation across the U.S. to reach 35 million players by 2034. His exit could impact the momentum of this initiative, depending on the priorities of the incoming leadership.
“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,” said Sherr. “From my early days focused on revenue to the privilege of serving as CEO, I have had the honor of working alongside extraordinary colleagues and volunteers at every level of the organization.”
He noted the transformation that he and his team had “navigated, sparked innovation, and set American tennis on a trajectory for long-time growth and impact.” “I’m immensely proud of what we’ve accomplished together, and even more excited to see where our talented team takes it next.”
