Tennis Sees Fifth Year of Growth in U.S. with Over 25 Million Players/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Tennis participation in the U.S. reached 25.7 million players in 2024, marking the sport’s fifth consecutive year of growth, according to the USTA. Despite pickleball’s booming popularity, tennis saw an 8% increase fueled by youth engagement and expanded court access. The USTA plans a $10 million court renovation initiative to hit 35 million players by 2035.
Tennis Growth in the U.S. – Quick Looks:
- 2024 U.S. tennis participation: 25.7 million players, an 8% increase from 2023.
- USTA goal: Reach 35 million players by 2035, calling it “achievable.”
- $10 million investment in 2025 to build and refurbish public tennis courts.
- Youth engagement: Players under 25 drove 45% of the growth; under 35 accounted for 60%.
- Diversity gains: Black player participation grew 26%, Hispanic players 15%.
- Senior involvement: Tennis participation among seniors rose 17% last year.
- Pickleball comparison: Participation surged to 13 million Americans, growing over 200% in three years.
Tennis Sees Fifth Year of Growth in U.S. with Over 25 Million Players
Deep Look:
Tennis Participation Climbs to 25.7 Million in the U.S., Defying Pickleball’s Popularity Boom
NEW YORK, NY – Tennis participation in the United States grew to 25.7 million players in 2024, marking the sport’s fifth consecutive year of growth, according to data released Wednesday by the U.S. Tennis Association (USTA). The 8% increase from the previous year represents a jump of 1.9 million new players, meaning approximately one in 12 Americans picked up a racquet last year.
“We believe this momentum is sustainable,” said USTA CEO Lew Sherr, who emphasized the organization’s long-term vision. “Reaching 35 million players by 2035 is a goal that’s both actionable and achievable.”
Major Investment to Expand Court Access
To drive continued growth, the USTA has pledged $10 million in grants for 2025 to build, refurbish, and extend the hours of public tennis courts nationwide. This commitment marks a significant increase from last year’s $1.2 million allocation, which helped renovate over 500 courts.
“Access to quality courts is essential for growing the game,” Sherr noted. “This investment is about ensuring players of all ages and backgrounds can enjoy tennis in their communities.”
Youth and Diversity Fuel Participation Gains
The surge in tennis participation has been largely youth-driven:
- Players under 25: Accounted for 45% of the growth.
- Players under 35: Represented over 60% of new participants.
Additionally, the sport saw notable demographic gains:
- Black player participation: Increased by 26% in 2024.
- Hispanic player participation: Rose by 15%.
- Senior players (65+): Participation climbed 17%, reflecting the sport’s broad appeal.
“These numbers show tennis is connecting with more communities and age groups,” Sherr said.
Tennis vs. Pickleball: Friendly Rivalry or Competition?
Tennis’s upward trend comes amid pickleball’s meteoric rise in popularity. Once a niche sport, pickleball now boasts over 13 million American players, with participation growing more than 200% in just three years.
While some observers suggest pickleball’s growth could siphon players from tennis, the USTA views the trend differently. “Both sports can coexist and promote active lifestyles,” Sherr explained. “Many players participate in both.”
Data Sources and Methodology
The USTA’s participation figures stem from two key studies:
- Physical Activity Council (PAC) Study: Analyzed data from 18,000 participants aged 6 and older.
- PLAY Study: Offers insights into national sports participation trends.
Both studies, compiled by the National Golf Foundation, highlight tennis’s resilience and growing appeal across demographics.
Looking Ahead: Building on Momentum
With its ambitious goals and significant financial investment, the USTA is positioning tennis to sustain long-term growth. Efforts to engage younger players, expand access, and promote inclusivity aim to ensure the sport’s popularity continues to rise—even as pickleball remains a formidable presence in the recreational sports landscape.
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