Desert Smash — Celebrity Charity Tennis
USTA Foundation + Desert Smash
The world's most famous celebrity tennis event — 22 years of bringing Hollywood A-listers and ATP/WTA pros together at La Quinta Resort & Club, strategically timed with the BNP Paribas Open. Over $3.6M raised for charity and counting.
The Challenge
What we were up against
Elevate a charity tennis event into one of the most sought-after entertainment experiences during the BNP Paribas Open week, attracting top-tier celebrity and athlete participation while maximizing charitable impact year after year — selling out every edition since inception.
Our Approach
How we made it happen
Developed a full-scale event strategy combining celebrity-pro tennis exhibitions with mic'd players and celebrity chair umpires, a Celebrity Pickleball Challenge, VIP hospitality experiences, and live musical performances. Secured rotating beneficiary partners — from Charlize Theron's Africa Outreach Project to St. Jude, the WTA Foundation, and the USTA Foundation.
The Results
Impact by the numbers
Total lifetime funds raised
Record single-year fundraise (2025)
Consecutive sold-out years
Charitable organizations supported
Campaign Highlights
P!NK hosted in 2023 and 2025, driving the record $1.5M fundraise for WTA Foundation Global Women's Health Fund
Celebrity roster includes Charlize Theron, Will Ferrell, Kevin Hart, Justin Bieber, Lily Collins, Jason Derulo, and SIA
ATP/WTA stars: Serena Williams, Novak Djokovic, Naomi Osaka, Aryna Sabalenka, Alexander Zverev, Roger Federer
2026 benefiting the USTA Foundation — transforming lives through tennis, education, and mentorship