ATP attracts young viewers by partnering with Overtime — why it has potential

At the end of February, ATP announced a partnership with Overtime, a company that creates content for young audiences. The goal of this collaboration is to promote tennis among Generation Z (ages 13–28) and Generation Alpha (under 12), who show little interest in traditional sports broadcasts.

As part of this partnership, Overtime will produce exclusive behind-the-scenes content featuring top tennis players and covering key ATP tournaments, including ATP Masters 1000 and ATP Finals. The companies also plan to launch new tennis-focused social media platforms tailored to young audiences, making the sport more accessible and engaging.

“Overtime is a brand for the new generation of sports fans, and we are excited to join forces with ATP to inspire young people through tennis — a global sport that brings together the most talented and respected athletes,” said Overtime President Farzin Ghorashi.

The companies are also considering creating a video series that will give young viewers a closer look at the world of tennis and its biggest stars.

Why is traditional sports losing its grip on young fans?

The ATP-Overtime collaboration is a response to a growing challenge not just in tennis but across the sports industry. According to a Morning Consult study, only 18% of Generation Z attended a live sports event last year, and 33% do not watch sports on TV at all.

This trend shows that young people are shifting away from traditional sports and increasingly prefer short, dynamic videos on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube over long matches and broadcasts. Additionally, esports offers more interactivity, social engagement, and customization — features that traditional sports often lack. Many young fans also find professional athletes distant and unrelatable due to the limited amount of behind-the-scenes content that showcases their personalities.

Moreover, fewer young people are participating in sports clubs. High costs, lack of time, and competition with other entertainment options are the main reasons for this decline. As a result, traditional sports events seem slow and outdated compared to instant entertainment from streaming services and social media. This presents a serious challenge for sports organizations trying to regain the attention of younger generations.

Who is overtime, and how do they attract young fans?

Long matches, rigid formats, and a lack of interactivity make traditional sports less appealing to an audience raised on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. Overtime recognized this problem and developed a solution: making sports faster, more exciting, and more accessible.

The company focuses on creating dynamic content—behind-the-scenes footage, short videos, challenges, and memes—to turn sports into an entertaining experience suited for the digital age. But Overtime is more than just a media company. They also run their own sports leagues, such as Overtime Elite (OTE) in basketball and OT7 in American football, providing a platform for young talent and allowing fans to follow rising stars in a more engaging format.

The results speak for themselves: Overtime has over 100 million followers and generates 3 billion views per month. More importantly, 81% of their audience is under 35, proving that they truly understand how to engage young people in sports. Their success has made Overtime a key partner for major sports organizations, including the NFL and NBC Sports, which entrusted them with Olympic coverage.

Not only fans but also major investors support the project. Overtime’s partners include Liberty Media, Amazon, Morgan Stanley, and global stars like Drake and Quavo. Professional athletes such as Kevin Durant and Trae Young have also invested in the company, reinforcing its influence and potential.

Why is the ATP-Overtime partnership important?

ATP earns revenue from broadcasting rights and organizes major tournaments such as the ATP Finals and Next Gen ATP Finals. The declining interest of young audiences in sports poses a serious challenge to the industry. To stay ahead, ATP is adapting to new content consumption trends.

If the partnership is successful, ATP will attract younger fans who prefer short, dynamic, and engaging content. With Overtime’s expertise in digital storytelling, ATP can tailor its materials for popular social media platforms. In return, ATP will give Overtime exclusive access to tournament content, making the partnership beneficial for both sides.

To engage young audiences, ATP and Overtime are developing a strategy that blends tennis with modern digital trends. While they have not yet disclosed all the details, they have confirmed a focus on creating exciting social media content, including game challenges and viral moments. This approach is designed to capture the attention of Generation Z and Generation Alpha, who are accustomed to fast and engaging content.

If successful, this initiative could open new opportunities for sports coverage and set trends that other leagues may follow, making it an important step for the entire sports industry.