Tennis Economy Up 3%, Says New TIA State of the Industry Report

Written by: Staff on 24th April 2013

Tennis Economy Up 3%, Says New TIA State of the Industry Report

epa03060146 Roger Federer of Switzerland heel kicks a ball to his racquet as his shadow is cast across the court during a training session on the eve of the Australian Open Grand Slam tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, 15 January 2012. Federer has his eyes set on a 2012 comeback, eager to disprove critics who say he is at the end of his career. The first tennis Grand Slam in 2012 runs 16 to 29 January. EPA/BARBARA WALTON |

Tennis in the U.S. is a $5.57 billion business, according to the latest edition of the State of the Industry report, just released by the Tennis Industry Association (TIA). That represents a 3% increase in the total tennis economy from 2011.

The third edition of the TIA State of the Industry report compiles data from 2012 that the TIA collects through its more than 70 annual surveys and research studies. The State of the Industry report takes a top-level view of a variety of trends and segments in the industry to tell a comprehensive “story of the tennis industry,” says TIA Executive Director Jolyn de Boer.

Important for the industry is the 10% growth in the number of “frequent” tennis players, those who play at least 21 times a year, to 5.31 million in 2012. Frequent players account for more than 70% of all expenditures in tennis, including buying equipment, paying for lessons and court time, and playing league tennis and more.

Other highlights from this year’s report include:

A 4% increase in overall tennis participation, to 28 million players, and the highest participation level since 2009.

Positive growth in youth tennis equipment wholesale in 2012, with 38% growth in red, orange, and green tennis ball shipments (important for youth tennis play) and 5% growth in youth racquet shipments.

An increase in the TIA’s new “Tennis Equipment Index,” which was up 3 points over the 2011 valuation. The index is derived from taking the wholesale dollar value of racquets, balls, and strings shipped into the U.S. tennis market.

2% growth in racquet unit sales for pro/specialty tennis retailers.

Increased business for both teaching pros and court contractors in 2012.

13% growth in total hours of tennis TV coverage and 14% growth in unique TV viewers of tennis in 2012, driven by viewership of the 2012 London Olympics.

©Daily Tennis News Wire

Topics: tennis economy, Tennis Equipment Index, Tennis Industry Association, Tennis News