USTA Orlando Campus to Host International Wheelchair Cup

The USTA National Campus in Orlando will host the International Tennis Federation’s flagship international wheelchair tennis team competition during the 50th anniversary of the sport’s creation. The 2026 BNP Paribas World Team Cup will be held at the campus September 16–19.

Wheelchair tennis came into existence in 1976, when Brad Parks became paralyzed after a freestyle skiing accident. Brad and Jeff Minnebraker, a fellow rehab patient, tried the sport at the local courts across from their hospital, struggling to move their heavy hospital chairs around the court. When pressed by able-bodied players on why they were trying, they turned the comment into motivation to organize the new sport.

The 2026 BNP Paribas World Team Cup is the wheelchair tennis equivalent of the Davis Cup and the Billie Jean King Cup by Gainbridge, with international teams competing against each other. Today the competition welcomes over 40 teams, from over 20 countries — the largest competition in the sport.

Event Counts for LA28 Qualification

Participation in the will count toward eligibility criteria for selection for the LA 2028 Paralympic wheelchair tennis event, alongside world ranking requirements. To be eligible for qualification, players have to have represented their nations twice in the 2024–2028 cycle, including once in 2027 or 2028.

 “We are very excited to bring the World Team Cup back to the United States in this momentous year for the sport,” said Alistair Williams, ITF’s head of wheelchair tennis tour and major event operations. “The event’s growth from its five-team first edition to prestigious status today is incredible, and we look forward to working with the USTA to deliver a fantastic event in September.”

“What an honor this will be for the USTA to host this flagship team event for wheelchair tennis once again,” said Jason Harnett, USTA director of wheelchair tennis. “Having been the country in which wheelchair tennis was founded, in this 50th year of the sport, the World Team Cup has come such a long way from its start in Irvine, California, back in 1985. From Orange County, California, to Orange County, Florida. What a journey the sport has traveled.”