The International Table Tennis Federation’s “American Dream” may be facing a harsh reality check, with a large number of tickets for the opening day of the 2026 WTT Grand Smash USA going unsold, in stark contrast to similar events in China, where they usually sell out instantly.
Just last month, ITTF president Petra Sorling, after releasing financial statements for 2025, indicated that the organization was relying on the US market to balance its books, despite World Table Tennis (WTT) running an eight-figure deficit that year.
The second edition of WTT Grand Smash USA kicked off at the Ontario Convention Center on Friday, moving to Los Angeles after its debut in Las Vegas last year.
Tickets for the $1.55 million tournament start at just US$40.50 (HK$313). In Los Angeles, that’s about the same as buying a regular movie ticket and a drink.
The event features a star-studded line-up, including China’s No. 1 Wang Chuqin – who won last year – and Sun Yingsha, as well as top players from around the world.
But the championship seems to lack local appeal. Despite tickets being sold for more than a month, most seats for even the women’s and men’s finals on July 5 have not been sold before the opening rounds.
