New York World TeamTennis Team Sold To San Diego Friend Of Tennis

Written by: Bob Larson Tennis on 17th January 2014

Sony Open tennis tournament on Key Biscayne, Florida

New York World TeamTennis Team Sold To San Diego Friend Of Tennis

epa03633617 A ball boy holds a tennis ball during the Jie Zheng of China against Yaroslava Shvedova of Kazakhstan first round match at the Sony Open tennis tournament in Miami, Florida, USA, 20 March 2013. EPA/RHONA WISE |

The San Diego Aviators will make their debut this summer after local businessman Russell Geyser bought the New York franchise and relocated the professional tennis team. The Aviators will begin their inaugural season in July. The team is reviewing potential sites and will announce the final venue selection in a few weeks.

“Tennis has long been a passion of mine, and the opportunity to continue to bring world class professional tennis to San Diego was a remarkable one,” said Geyser. “It is our goal to field a championship team in an unparalleled venue and combine each event with music and charity. We named the team The San Diego Aviators to be evocative of San Diego’s long, storied history of military and commercial aviation.”

Geyser is the owner of the San Diego franchise with Jack McGrory as a minority partner. Shelly Hall will be the Aviators’ general manager.

San Diego’s history with Mylan World TeamTennis dates back to the 1970s and 80s when the San Diego Friars played in the League.

The 39th season of Mylan WTT starts July 6 and concludes July 27 with the Mylan WTT Finals. The Aviators will play 14 regular season matches, including seven at their home venue.

San Diego will have the option to retain the rights to the 2013 New York Sportimes players although their 2014 team lineup will not be determined until the Mylan WTT Marquee Player Draft on Tuesday, Feb. 11 and the Mylan WTT Roster Player Draft on Tuesday, March 11. San Diego will pick first in both drafts because of New York’s last place in 2013.

Topics: 10sballs, Mylan WTT, San Diego Aviators, Sports, Teamtennis, Tennis, Tennis News