Calgary National Bank Challenger not returning after 5 years
Posted Feb 12, 2025 3:26 pm.
After a five-year run of hosting international tennis play, the Calgary National Bank Challenger will not be returning this year.
Danny Da Costa, CEO of Osten & Victor Alberta Tennis Centre (ATC), says they have completed their five-year agreement and made the decision to not renew the contract for 2025.
He says tariff threats and added costs have made the tournament non-viable.
“We have to raise considerable amounts of money every year to deliver this event and sell tickets,” he says. “We have to forecast what the threat of going into a recession could look like.”
With the absence of the tournament, Da Costa says the ATC will reprioritize court time access for members, continue to deliver programming and host provincial and national tennis tournaments.
He says there is a possibility the tournament could return.
“We could bring it back if there’s sustainable funding put in place, if the Canadian economy is stronger,” says Da Costa.
The tournament typically attracts more than 50,000 spectators and brings in hundreds of international players, officials and coaches.
Last year, Calgary became Canada’s first ATP Challenger to be broadcasted live, attracting 170,000 viewers in over 200 countries.
