Macao: The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) has announced a landmark partnership between the ITTF Men’s and Women’s World Cup Macao 2026 and the iconic animation franchise Tom and Jerry, as part of celebrations marking 100 years of table tennis.
Launched under the theme “Chasing the Table Tennis”, the collaboration aims to blend elite sport with globally recognised entertainment, bringing a fresh, cross-generational appeal to the game. The initiative will debut in Macao, China, leveraging the strong popularity of Tom and Jerry across Asian markets while maintaining global reach.
The partnership reflects a strategic push by the ITTF to engage younger audiences by connecting the sport with familiar cultural properties. Organisers believe the universal appeal of the animated duo will help introduce table tennis to new fans while enhancing the viewing experience for existing audiences.
At its core, the collaboration draws parallels between the fast-paced nature of table tennis and the classic “chase” dynamic that defines Tom and Jerry. Both are characterised by speed, strategy and competitive spirit, with organisers highlighting a shared theme of “competition and friendship” that underpins the initiative.
The Macao leg of the tournament will serve as the launch platform, with venues transformed through themed visual branding and immersive elements inspired by the cartoon. Fans can expect arenas designed to merge sport and animation, creating an engaging environment throughout the 2026 season.
Senior Vice President at Warner Bros. Discovery, Tony Qiu, said the collaboration represents an innovative bridge between classic entertainment and modern sport, adding that the enduring global appeal of Tom and Jerry will help bring new experiences to families and fans.
ITTF President Petra Sörling emphasised that the initiative goes beyond celebration, noting that it is designed to expand the sport’s reach and inspire the next generation of players and supporters worldwide.
The ITTF World Cup Macao 2026 will take place from March 30 to April 5, bringing together top players in a tournament expected to deliver a unique blend of high-level competition and creative presentation.
Beyond the event itself, the partnership is set to evolve into a broader ecosystem of content and fan engagement activities, signalling a new direction in sports commercialisation through cross-industry collaboration.
Originally created in 1940 by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera, Tom and Jerry remains one of the most celebrated animated series globally, continuing to resonate with audiences across generations as it marks its 85th anniversary this year.
