Tennis participation in U.S. up 54% since 2019, sixth year of growth

The United States Tennis Association (USTA) reports that tennis participation in the U.S. climbed to 27.3 million players in 2025, marking a 54% increase compared with 2019 and representing the sixth consecutive year of growth.

Detailed figures show an increase of roughly 1.4 million players year-over-year, with core players (those playing 10+ times per year) rising to 14.5 million and 4.9 million people reporting they played tennis for the first time in 2025. These statistics are drawn from blended samples including the Physical Activity Council (PAC) and PLAY studies cited in the USTA participation report.

This sustained rise has tangible market implications: demand for racquets, apparel, court construction and maintenance services is increasing, and USTA-led facility grants and regional programs have directed millions toward infrastructure to meet growing participation. Such developments can support revenue growth for equipment manufacturers, facility operators and local recreation budgets.

In a broader context, the surge reflects persistent post-pandemic emphasis on health and outdoor activity, while participation gains among women, youth and diverse ethnic groups point to an expanding player base. USTA's “35 by ’35” goal—to reach 35 million players by 2035—frames these numbers as part of a multi-year growth strategy and underlines ongoing outreach and investment priorities.

Market observers say continuation of this trend depends on scaling court access, coaching capacity and community programs; private and public sector investment decisions in the next 12–36 months will likely determine whether participation growth translates into sustained commercial opportunities. Given the methodological transparency of the PAC/PLAY sources, industry stakeholders can use the USTA report as a basis for strategic planning and forecasting.