Tennis Participation in the United States Hits Record 25.7 Million Players After Five Years of Growth

Recent Surge in Tennis Popularity

Tennis is experiencing a remarkable surge in popularity across the United States. According to recent statistics from the USTA, participation has reached an all-time high, with 25.7 million players reported in 2024. This represents an increase of nearly two million players from the previous year, showcasing an impressive growth rate of over eight percent. This trend indicates a rising interest in tennis that goes beyond traditional demographics, appealing to a more diverse audience.

Significant Participation Growth

The latest findings depict a broadening appeal of tennis among various groups. Notably, one in every twelve Americans engaged in tennis this past year, which exceeds the five-year average of one in sixteen. This unprecedented growth highlights the sport's enhanced position in a competitive recreational market.

Additionally, the data indicate an increase in returned players. Retention rates have seen a five percent uptick from 2023, reaching a five-year high. Furthermore, more individuals are returning to tennis after at least a year away, suggesting that the sport is successfully engaging and maintaining its player base. In total, first-time and returning players accounted for 6.3 million new participants in 2024, demonstrating a positive balance between cultivating committed players and expanding the sport's reach.

Youth and Demographic Diversity

A key contributor to this growth is the younger demographic. Players under the age of 35 have fueled the expansion, making up nearly two-thirds of all new participants. Specifically, those under 25 represented 45 percent of the total increase, indicating that tennis is resonating strongly with younger generations.

Moreover, there has been significant progress in increasing diversity within the sport. Participation among Black and African American players surged by 26 percent, marking a rise of 662,000 participants from the previous year. Hispanic participation also grew by 15.4 percent, totaling 4.54 million players. Senior players, too, are becoming more involved, with a 17 percent increase leading to 302,000 participants.

These trends underline tennis's evolving role as a staple for community engagement and promoting active lifestyles. As more individuals embrace tennis, the sport solidifies its relevance in fostering healthier lifestyles within the community.

Core Engagement and Funding Initiatives

One notable milestone reached in 2024 was an increase in core players, defined as those playing tennis ten or more times in the past year. This group has grown to 13 million, which constitutes 50 percent of all participants, showcasing a strong trend toward deeper engagement with the sport. This rise in committed players has corresponded with a total of 575 million play occasions recorded, representing a nine percent increase from the year before.

In light of this growth, the USTA has committed to investing $10 million in grants aimed at improving tennis facilities nationwide. This initiative is particularly focused on enhancing access in underserved communities to meet the increasing demand for courts. The USTA has been actively promoting tennis since its inception, championing grassroots programs and community engagement to inspire healthier, more active lifestyles through sport.

The Road Ahead

Looking to the future, the USTA aspires to build on this momentum with an ambitious goal of reaching 35 million tennis players by 2035. Their strategy includes innovation in programming and coaching, ensuring that court infrastructure aligns with community needs, and implementing measures to enhance safe play experiences for everyone involved. In line with this initiative, over 27,000 individuals have undergone Safe Play compliance training to foster a secure environment for players.

As tennis continues to grow in the U.S., the USTA's commitment is vital in ensuring inclusive participation and community health benefits. By successfully engaging new players and retaining existing ones, tennis is set to thrive as a prominent sport for future generations.