Steffi Graf Launches $20 Million Racing Academy and Global Tennis Series Set for 2026
In a bold and unexpected move that bridges the worlds of motorsports and professional tennis, tennis legend Steffi Graf has announced the launch of a $20 million Racing Academy alongside a new international tennis series scheduled to begin in 2026. The groundbreaking initiative marks Graf’s most ambitious venture since retiring from professional tennis and reflects her evolving vision for sports innovation, youth development, and global engagement.
A Dual-Sport Vision
The announcement came at a high-profile press conference in Monaco, where Graf unveiled her dual-initiative project—combining elite racing education with a globally inclusive tennis competition structure. Dubbed the Graf Racing Academy (GRA) and the Graf Global Tennis Series (GGTS), both ventures aim to nurture emerging talent, promote international competition, and reinvent the athlete development experience.
“I’ve always believed in the power of sport to inspire and to unite,” Graf said. “With this project, we’re not only investing in the future of tennis, but we’re also opening doors for a new generation of motorsport talent—especially young women and underrepresented groups.”
The Graf Racing Academy
The Graf Racing Academy will be headquartered in Barcelona, Spain, with satellite centers in the United States, Germany, and the United Arab Emirates. The $20 million investment will fund world-class training facilities, simulators, a sustainable electric karting program, and a scholarship fund to support drivers from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.
Partnering with several prominent motorsport figures, including former F1 drivers and engineers, the academy will focus on junior drivers aged 12–18, offering not just racing instruction but also physical training, mental conditioning, and academic support. Graf emphasized a particular focus on environmental responsibility and gender inclusion, stating that the academy aims for a 50/50 gender balance by 2028.
Graf Global Tennis Series (GGTS)
Simultaneously, the Graf Global Tennis Series is set to transform the professional tennis landscape by introducing a new annual series of tournaments that emphasize inclusivity, technology, and sustainability. Launching in early 2026, the series will span five continents with ten marquee events, culminating in a prestigious Masters-style finale in Dubai.
The GGTS will feature both men’s and women’s draws at equal prize money levels, consistent with Graf’s longstanding advocacy for gender equality in sports. The format will integrate digital fan experiences, real-time data analytics, and eco-conscious tournament practices, from carbon-neutral facilities to plastic-free policies.
“This isn’t just about adding another tournament series,” Graf explained. “It’s about rethinking the player experience, the fan experience, and the global accessibility of the game.”
Global Support and Partnerships
Graf’s announcement has already attracted global attention and high-profile partnerships. Major brands in both the tech and automotive sectors are rumored to be backing the project, while tennis federations from across Asia, Africa, and Latin America have voiced support for the GGTS’s global reach and grassroots development promises.
In a joint statement, the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) and the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) praised Graf’s vision, noting that such innovation aligns with the evolving demands of the sport’s younger fanbase.
A Legacy Reimagined
Widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time—with 22 Grand Slam singles titles to her name—Graf’s foray into this new territory is both surprising and inspiring. Her move signals a new chapter not only in her career but potentially in the broader evolution of sport itself.
“Legacy isn’t just about what you did—it’s about what you do next,” Graf said. “And I believe this is just the beginning.”