Mets Appoint Lew Sherr from USTA as Business Head in Recent Reorganization
New York Mets Tap USTA CEO Lew Sherr as President of Team Business Operations
The New York Mets have turned to a neighboring organization for their latest executive hire, bringing on Lew Sherr, current CEO and executive director of the United States Tennis Association (USTA), as their new president of team business operations. Sherr, who has been working across Roosevelt Avenue from Citi Field, will replace Scott Havens, who stepped down from the role earlier this week.
In a statement, Cohen attributed the change to "differing perspectives on long-term strategy." Both the Mets and the USTA have seen significant growth in recent years. Within the past month, Sherr oversaw the unveiling of an $800 million project to modernize the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, which welcomed a record 1 million fans last year and aims to surpass that figure in 2025. The USTA has also gained a reputation for attracting celebrities to the tournament.
Sherr will remain in his position at the USTA until June 30, with USTA board chairman Brian Vahaly and COO/chief legal officer Andrea Hirsch serving as interim co-CEOs during the transition. The new leadership team will be responsible for maintaining relationships with top-ranked men's and women's players, who recently wrote a letter to Grand Slam organizers requesting a larger role in revenue distribution and decision-making regarding player welfare.
Sherr reportedly earned over $1.5 million from the USTA in the recent fiscal year. The Mets, who have improved their average home attendance since last season after a meme-ridden postseason run in 2024 and the $765 million acquisition of Juan Soto this offseason, are currently fifth in home attendance. Cohen continues to push forward on an $8 billion proposal that could bring a casino next to Citi Field in partnership with Hard Rock International.
Upon being approached about the Mets job, Sherr expressed excitement about the "plans for the casino and the hotel and entertainment district." Prior to his 15-year tenure at the USTA, Sherr worked as an SVP for marketing partnerships at Madison Square Garden.
Cohen has reshaped the Mets' C-suite following his purchase of the team for $2.35 billion five years ago, with the team's chief legal officer, chief marketing officer, chief communications officer, and SVP of finance departing since the end of the last season.
Enrichment Data Relevant Details:- Sherr's 15-year tenure at the USTA saw significant corporate growth and supportive changes for grassroots tennis development. Notable achievements include restructuring the US Open's mixed doubles event, forming landmark broadcasting partnerships, and driving record revenue and attendance at the US Open. Sherr also spearheaded efforts to modernize the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, introducing a new player performance center and making substantial improvements to Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Sherr, with his extensive experience in finance and business, will bring a unique perspective to the Mets, having overseen significant financial growth at the USTA, including the $800 million modernization project for the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. The new Mets president will also leverage his sports background, managing business operations for both baseball and football, given his previous role at Madison Square Garden.
