From Biology to Billions: How a Vet Aspirant Built the U.S. Open's $559M Empire

Kirsten Corio, the chief commercial officer of the United States Tennis Association (USTA), leads a team responsible for generating over $500 million in annual revenue from the U.S. Open, according to the organization’s financial operations. This revenue stream includes ticket sales, hospitality, global media rights, sponsorships, merchandise, and digital strategy. Corio, who transitioned into sports business from a background in biology, has been with the USTA for nearly a decade, and in her current role, she oversees the commercial operations for the U.S. Open, the fourth and final Grand Slam tournament of the year.

The U.S. Open has become a central financial pillar for the USTA. The 2024 edition alone accounted for $559.6 million, representing 90% of the organization’s total revenue, with profit margins reaching close to 50%. This financial success supports the USTA’s broader initiatives, including inner-city programs, national leagues, and player development. The USTA’s commercial teams work across multiple departments, each managed by experienced professionals, many of whom have spent over 20 years in the role.

Corio emphasized that the U.S. Open’s operations are highly concentrated, with the tournament lasting three weeks and requiring extensive planning and coordination during the 49 weeks of the off-season. The USTA team focuses on strategy, budgeting, and enhancing the fan experience throughout the year. During the tournament itself, the focus shifts to execution, with Corio and her team monitoring metrics such as ticket sales and attendance to ensure they meet their financial objectives.

Networking and business development play a key role in the USTA’s success. Corio highlighted the importance of building relationships with clients, partners, and industry peers throughout the tournament, noting that these interactions provide inspiration and benchmarking for best practices. This approach helps the USTA stay competitive and innovative in a rapidly evolving sports business landscape.

Leadership and mentorship have also been instrumental in Corio’s career. She credits Stacey Allaster, the U.S. Open tournament director and CEO of professional tennis, for her influence in fostering a culture of empowerment and excellence within the USTA. Allaster encourages staff to take ownership of their work and embrace the idea that pressure is a privilege—a mindset that aligns with the high-stakes environment of managing a top-tier sporting event.

The U.S. Open’s ability to attract and retain major sponsors, media partners, and fans has been a key factor in its financial success. The USTA has also invested in enhancing the fan experience, such as increasing prize money for mixed doubles matches. In 2025, the mixed doubles purse was increased fivefold from the previous year’s $200,000, offering top-tier players an incentive to participate and adding value for spectators.

Corio’s journey to the USTA was unconventional. She initially studied biology at Boston College, with aspirations of becoming a veterinarian. However, her career shifted toward sports business after working at a consulting firm that collaborated with the NBA on its first Customer Relationship Management (CRM) database. This experience opened the door to the sports industry, and she eventually joined the USTA. Corio’s story underscores the diverse paths into the world of sports commerce and the importance of being open to unexpected opportunities.

As the U.S. Open continues to grow in prestige and revenue, Corio and her team remain focused on delivering a world-class event that not only drives financial returns but also supports the broader mission of the USTA in developing tennis at all levels.

Source:

[1] Meet the tennis exec in charge of the U.S. Open's teams ... (https://fortune.com/2025/09/06/tennis-exec-us-open-500-million-revenue-interview/)

[2] Chris Evert's Golden Celebration at the US Open (https://palmerpb.com/2025/09/03/chris-evert-golden-celebration-usopen/)