Black Girls Tennis Club

What Black Girls Tennis Club does

Black Girls Tennis Club (BGTC), founded in 2022 and legally organized as Black Girls Tennis Club Incorporated, is a U.S.-based nonprofit that operates free and low-cost tennis programs targeting Black women and girls, an underserved demographic in a sport where approximately 78% of players are white and only 6.8% are Black. The organization was founded by Kimberly Selden, a Virginia Beach native who returned from New York during the COVID-19 pandemic, alongside co-founder Virginia Thornton; it is headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia. Its core products consist of youth summer camps (free, ages 5-18) delivered in Hampton Roads, NYC, and DC; paid adult beginner programming including a four-week Foundations course ($250-280) at Brooklyn College and NYC cardio tennis ($45 per session); and a branded merchandise line spanning t-shirts, hoodies, totes, pins, and stickers via an e-commerce storefront.

BGTC generates revenue through four streams: tax-deductible donations collected via the Givebutter platform, e-commerce merchandise sales (USPS shipping, 7-10 day processing), paid program fees for adult learners, and ticketed fundraising events. The underlying technology stack is non-proprietary and limited to a Squarespace website, e-commerce checkout, donation platform, and Instagram (@blackgirlstennisclub); there is no AI/ML or software product layer. Distribution is direct: programs are delivered in-person at public and partner courts, supplemented by co-branded event activations at major tennis venues including the US Open, Roland Garros, Martha's Vineyard, the Mubadala Citi DC Open, and SoHo House Babington House (London).

The go-to-market motion is community-led and event-driven. BGTC builds awareness and participant acquisition through grassroots community engagement, free youth programming, and partnerships with city governments and tennis organizations, alongside recurring activations with high-profile athletes (Serena Williams, Venus Williams, Ben Shelton, Taylor Townsend, Coco Gauff) and brand partners including Nike, Dove, USTA, Racquet Magazine, On, and MGM/Amazon Studios. Customers include four named segments: Black girls ages 5-18 (primary), adult Black women, broader tennis-community supporters, and media/brand partners seeking authentic alignment with the organization's DEI mission.

Name

Black Girls Tennis Club

Legal name

Black Girls Tennis Club Incorporated

Website

https://blackgirlstennisclub.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2022

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Tennis Instruction

NAICS

Sports and Recreation Instruction (611620), Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers (713940), Sports and Recreation Instruction (61162)

SIC

Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997)

akta.pro primary industry

Tennis & Racquet Sports Clubs (Tennis, Padel, Pickleball, Squash) (MPAKABAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

University/College Club Sports Programs (MPAKACAK), Club Sports Programs (EDALAIAB)

Keywords

• Youth tennis programs
• Nonprofit tennis instruction
• Community tennis clinics
• Black girls sports access
• Women tennis programming

Headquarters

HQ city

Norfolk

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Donations and Fundraising: Individual and corporate donations collected through the organization's Givebutter platform. Tax-deductible contributions support free youth programming and operational costs.
2. Merchandise Sales: E-commerce sales of branded apparel including t-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, totes, pins, and accessories. Processing time 7-10 business days with USPS shipping.
3. Program Fees: Paid programming including adult cardio tennis ($45), foundations programs ($250-280), and youth camps. Some youth programs offered free of charge.
4. Event Revenue: Fundraising events and ticketed experiences including kickoff parties, panels, and special activations at major tennis tournaments.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Black Girls Tennis Club is a nonprofit organization that delivers free and low-cost tennis instruction, youth summer camps, adult foundations programs, and cardio tennis sessions to Black women and girls across the U.S. Programming is complemented by a branded merchandise e-commerce storefront and funded through donations, program fees, and corporate sponsorships.

Product overview

Black Girls Tennis Club offers a community-focused platform providing tennis programming and merchandise. The core offerings include free youth summer camps for girls ages 5-18 in Hampton Roads, VA and New York City, adult beginner programs like the NYC Foundations 4-week course, and cardio tennis fitness sessions. The merchandise line consists of apparel and accessories sold through the online shop, including t-shirts, crewnecks, hoodies, totes, and pins with regional variations for VA, DC, and NYC.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Hampton Roads Girls Youth Summer Camp Free all-levels youth summer tennis camp for Black girls ages 7-16, held at Northside Park Tennis Center in Norfolk, VA, providing tennis instruction, confidence-building, and community connection.
• NYC Girls Youth Summer Camp Free youth summer tennis camp in New York City for girls ages 5-18, providing tennis instruction, skill-building, and community connection in Central Park.
• NYC Foundations Beginner Program Four-week semi-private beginner tennis program for adults 18+ at Brooklyn College (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM), designed to teach the game, build confidence, and connect with community. Priced at $250 Early Bird / $280 Regular Rate and includes all four sessions within the selected cohort.
• NYC Cardio Tennis Fitness-focused tennis sessions in NYC combining cardiovascular workout with tennis instruction, priced at $45 per session.
• BGTC Merchandise Store E-commerce store offering branded merchandise including t-shirts ($32-$36), hoodies ($64), sweatshirts ($40-$52), tote bags ($25-$30), enamel pins ($10), and sticker packs ($10), featuring the Black Girls Tennis Club logo and regional designs for VA, DC, and NYC.

Quantifiable outcome

• Playing tennis for just three hours per week could reduce risk of heart disease by 56%
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and flagship.

• USTAcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 August 2025Partnership with United States Tennis Association for Martha's Vineyard programming, including tennis clinics and Mindful Play sessions. USTA Eastern partnership for Girls Day of Play events in NYC. USTA Florida partnership for FAMU Girls Day. USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation featured BGTC in November 2024 profile.
• G4GC (Golf 4 Girls Collective)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 August 2025Partnership with G4GC expanded BGTC's footprint on Martha's Vineyard in 2025, creating new spaces for play, connection, and joy alongside USTA.
• On (Running Brand)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 August 2025Partner for US Open 2025 'Thanks For Playing' event at Pier 42 Courts in NYC. Afternoon bringing together tennis, culture, and community. Featured surprise appearance by Ben Shelton who rallied with participants.
• Mubadala Citi DC OpenminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 August 2025Partnership presence at Mubadala Citi DC Open 2025 tennis tournament, one of the premier summer tennis events in Washington D.C.
• TOGETHXR and WTAcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2024Partnership with TOGETHXR and WTA to host brunch watching Coco Gauff claim victory at WTA Finals. Celebrated young Black woman's championship and largest purse in women's professional tennis history.
• USTA Florida and Florida A&M UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2024Partnership with USTA Florida and FAMU to host All-Girls Tennis Camp bringing together 40 young players at FAMU Women's Tennis courts. Part of USTA's Women in Tennis Initiative. Four-hour event emphasizing confidence, resilience, and leadership skills.
• DoveflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 September 2024Partnership with Dove and Venus Williams for Raise the Bar event during 2024 US Open. Dove created limited-edition beauty bar in tennis green supporting body confidence sports curriculum. Event featured mini tennis clinics, bracelet-making with Little Words Project, sports bras from Bras for Girls, and panel with Venus Williams.
• Venus WilliamsflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 September 2024Featured partner in Dove x Venus #KeepHerConfident campaign tackling challenges young girls face in sports by empowering confidence. Participated in Raise the Bar NYC event alongside BGTC co-founder Virginia Thornton.
• Team Epiphany and Well+GoodminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 September 2024Partners for Dove x Venus Williams Raise the Bar event, contributing to successful delivery of body confidence programming and community engagement.
• Racquet MagazinecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 August 2024Multi-year partnership for US Open week events. Hosted Open Play at Rockefeller Center, Sunday Joy Hour at Racquet House rooftop, and featured Taylor Townsend appearance. Racquet Magazine featured BGTC in issues and panels on future of tennis.
• Paramount Content for ChangeminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 August 2024Partnership for Mindful Play Clinic for Creatives at Martha's Vineyard 2024, held at Farm Neck Tennis in Oak Bluffs. Morning of mindful play, meditation, and friendly competition.
• NeueHouse and ESPN+minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 July 2024First West Coast event hosting exclusive advance screening of Serena Williams 'In the Arena' docuseries episode at NeueHouse in Hollywood during ESPY's week.
• Maxwell SocialminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 June 2024Partnership with Tribeca's newest social club for Roland Garros Women's Finals watch party celebration. Brought together NYC tennis lovers for afternoon of connection, culture, and match viewing on big screen.
• MGM and Amazon StudioscoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 April 2024Partnership for exclusive advance screening of 'Challengers' movie for NYC community. Featured surprise appearance by Zendaya. Event included first tennis clinic at Fort Greene tennis courts in Brooklyn, launching summer tennis programming.
• NikeflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 October 2023Partnership for International Day of the Girl event at Nike HQ. Featured panel with inspiring Black women, tennis clinic for girls, and celebration of sport's power to transform lives. Shared belief in sport's power to inspire change and uplift communities.
• SoHo House and LacostecoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 October 2023First Soho Grand Slam tennis tournament at Babington House in partnership with Lacoste. BGTC founders led King and Queen of the Court sessions and hosted discussions on radical wellness and breaking systemic barriers in tennis.
• World Street SoccerminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2023Partnership for Something in the Water festival 'PLAY' activation on Norfolk beach. Experience centered around JOY encouraging uninhibited fun through sports regardless of skill level.
• Kimberly SeldencoreOthersFounder of Black Girls Tennis Club. Virginia Beach/Hampton Roads native who created the organization after moving back from Brooklyn during the pandemic when she couldn't find a welcoming entry point into tennis.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves2 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Street Soccer USA: Nonprofit using soccer to empower underserved communities, with programming in multiple U.S. cities. BGTC's 'PLAY' activation was co-created with World Street Soccer; structurally similar community-sport nonprofit with national chapter model.
• Black Women in Sport Foundation: National nonprofit dedicated to engaging, retaining, and advancing Black women and girls in sports. Shares BGTC's exact target demographic and pipeline-to-leadership framing, with an explicit multi-sport (not tennis-specific) scope.
• Black Girls Run: National community-based nonprofit founded to encourage Black women to engage in running and healthy lifestyles. Most direct functional and mission peer to BGTC — same demographic focus (Black women and girls), grassroots community-led model, multi-city chapter structure, and reliance on partnerships and events for growth.
• Girls on the Run: National nonprofit running program for girls ages 8-13 that combines physical activity with life-skills curriculum. Comparable girls' empowerment-through-sport model with scaled multi-city programming and corporate sponsorship infrastructure.
• Harlem Junior Tennis and Education Program: NYC-based nonprofit providing free tennis and academic programming to underserved youth, with strong ties to USTA. Direct mission overlap with BGTC's youth tennis instruction model and a comparable community-club operating structure, though focused on a single geography.
• Golf 4 Girls Collective: Community-driven golf collective focused on creating welcoming spaces for girls and women of color. Active partner with BGTC on Martha's Vineyard programming; closest cross-sport analogue in mission and event-driven model.

Broad incumbents

• National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL): Network of USTA-affiliated community tennis organizations providing free/low-cost tennis and education to under-resourced youth. Operates as the scaled umbrella for many local youth tennis nonprofits including BGTC-adjacent organizations.
• USTA Foundation: Philanthropic arm of the United States Tennis Association supporting under-resourced youth tennis. BGTC is a current USTA programming partner; USTA Foundation is the largest scaled incumbent in the youth/community tennis space.
• American Tennis Association (ATA): Historic African-American tennis organization operating national championships and regional programming. BGTC partners with ATA-related activations; ATA is the broader incumbent serving Black tennis players across competitive and recreational levels.

Regional players

• City Parks Foundation: NYC nonprofit offering free youth sports instruction in city parks, including tennis programming at Central Park and other locations. Directly competes for venue access in NYC and shares the free-instruction, public-park delivery model.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat2 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/blackgirlstennisclub
• Facebookfacebook.com/profile.php
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/black-girls-tennis-club

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Black Girls Tennis Club