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Aviators announce new ownership

December 18, 2014

SAN DIEGO — San Diego businessman Fred Luddy, along with Jack McGrory, have secured ownership of the Mylan WTT San Diego Aviators franchise to expand the foundation that was set in 2014.

The San Diego Aviators had a tremendous inaugural season last year by reaching the Western Conference finals of the Mylan WTT season. The 2014 Aviators squad featured WTA and ATP stars including Daniela Hantuchova and the world’s top-ranked doubles team of Mike and Bob Bryan.

The 2015 Aviators program will continue to provide high-level tennis competition, with an emphasis on fan-friendly experiences including clinics, autograph sessions, music and interactive entertainment, along with a variety of food and beverage experiences consistent with marquis events.

Ticketing will range from family-friendly general admission to VIP private box seating featuring a premium food and beverage service. Official ticket prices and sale date to be announced.

In addition to the professional Aviators events, the San Diego Aviators franchise will work with local tennis programs to create a grassroots Mylan WTT event series for juniors and adults that will culminate at the Aviators venue, providing a once in a lifetime experience for the local competitors and affiliate clubs.

“There is such a tremendous affinity for tennis in the San Diego market – and the opportunity to take the great foundation that Russell Geyser set in place and take it to the next level was an opportunity that couldn’t be passed up,” said Fred Luddy. “Working with Billie Jean King, who is possibly the greatest ambassador of tennis in the world, will be an enjoyable experience.”

Mylan WTT CEO/Commissioner Ilana Kloss is thrilled that there is so much enthusiasm and support in the San Diego market. “San Diego is a great home for Mylan World TeamTennis and I look forward to working with Fred Luddy and his team to build off the strong foundation put in place for the Aviators last season by Russell Geyser,” said Kloss.

The day-to-day management will be handled by Billy Berger of Brand X Marketing who acted as CEO of the team in 2014. “The transition is seamless due to the previous ownership structure and I am excited to be able to continue with what may be one of the greatest markets for WTT to be held. We have so many positive elements in our favor including a deep community in tennis, great weather, major corporations, and a lifestyle that relishes in these types of community events,” said Berger.

The 40th season of Mylan World TeamTennis will run July 12-August 2. The regular season is July 12-29 with the Conference Championships set for Thursday, July 30. The Mylan WTT Finals, which will air live on ESPN 2, will be contested on the home court of the Eastern Conference champion on Sunday, August 2.

The 2015 Mylan WTT Player Draft will be one of the league’s major events next year with teams putting their lineups together on Monday, March 16 in Indian Wells.

For more information, please visit www.sandiegoaviators.com, call 760-944-2819 or email [email protected].

About The San Diego Aviators

San Diego Aviators is part of the Mylan World TeamTennis league co-founded by Billie Jean King. In its inaugural season (2014) the Aviators finished first in the Western Division during the regular season. Capturing the San Diego lifestyle, the Aviators are bringing fun and entertaining tennis back to Southern California. For more information contact 760-944-2819 or [email protected].