A shadow on the horizon, but no need to worry: that was Petra Sörling's message following the publication of the balance sheet of the International Table Tennis Federation for the year 2025. The ITTF lost $14,39 million in the last fiscal year due to a surge in its expenses: $85,47 million, compared to $59,64 million in 2024. I take very seriously the fact that we have such a result for 2025, but when you look at the figures more closely, they are linked to investments in new markets " reassured the president, convinced that the situation will reverse itself.
American Dream
More than $60 million was spent on events and operating expenses, compared to $38 million in 2024. This resulted in losses of $14,39 million, whereas the federation ended 2024 with a surplus of $1,51 million. Entering new markets is more expensive. And overall, we're no longer in the startup phase; we need to consolidate to mark the transition to this new phase. "Sörling stated during a roundtable discussion in London, as reported by Sportcal.
« As a global sport, we need to invest in new markets, the leader insists. One of the investments we've made is in the US market. And with the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics approaching, we'll see a return on investment. But of course, we need to remain cautious. "In 2021, the World Championships were held for the first time in the United States, in Houston, and last July, Las Vegas hosted the first Grand Smash in table tennis history on American soil." We have three years to position table tennis at the heart of the US sporting landscape. "Three years is a short time," Sörling announced at the time. "And therefore requires significant investment."
Petra Sörling's optimism is understandable given the potential of the US market. In December, the ITTF was pleased to announce that its flagship events would be streamed via FanDuel TV in the US market starting in 2026. Another positive point: the ITTF increased its revenue from $61,16 million in 2024 to $71,08 million in 2025. However, reaching a break-even point remains essential. The federation's executive committee has planned " a significant reduction in overhead and structural costs from the second half of 2026, as well as a focus on more profitable events ", without giving further details. The next reports will be closely monitored, especially as the ITTF has high hopes for 2026 with the Centenary World Championships in London and the US Smash in Los Angeles, from June 26 to July 5, as a first rehearsal before the Olympic Games.
