Tennis Equipment Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends And Forecast (2025 - 2030)

Global Tennis Equipment Market Trends and Insights

Growth in tennis events and local tournaments

The expansion in volume and visibility of tennis tournaments globally and locally drives market growth for tennis equipment. Major tournaments stimulate amateur participation, accelerate product development, and generate marketing opportunities for equipment manufacturers. The increasing base of tennis players and enthusiasts strengthens the demand for racquets, balls, apparel, and accessories, supporting the market's growth worldwide. Also, the rise of tennis tournaments significantly impacted equipment demand patterns, as evidenced by the International Tennis Federation's expanded tournament schedules across regions. The ITF's appointment of Yonex as the official tennis ball supplier for three ATP tournaments from 2025 demonstrated how tournament expansion influenced equipment standardization and supply requirements. This impact extended to local tournaments, which drove equipment adoption at the grassroots level. The United States Tennis Association's (USTA) USD 800 million investment in the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center renovation in 2025, including a USD 250 million Player Performance Center, indicated a long-term commitment to tournament infrastructure development. The growth in tournaments established consistent replacement cycles for equipment such as balls, strings, and court surfaces, while providing venues to test new equipment technologies before their introduction to consumer markets.

Surge in technological advancements

Tennis equipment manufacturers are experiencing significant changes in 2025, driven by the integration of advanced materials and technology. Major manufacturers like Wilson, Babolat, and HEAD are incorporating sensor technology and data analytics into rackets to help players improve their technique and performance metrics. The market has seen notable product launches, such as Tennibot's "The Partner" ball machine in April 2025, which uses AI to adapt to players' skill levels during practice sessions. The integration of advanced materials, including graphene and carbon nanotubes, has improved racket performance and durability while enhancing player comfort. Companies are demonstrating their commitment to innovation through research and development, as evidenced by Yonex's establishment of its Performance Innovation Center in 2024. The market now encompasses a broader range of products, including technology-enabled equipment, customizable rackets produced through 3D printing, and digital coaching applications. These technological advancements have enabled manufacturers to implement premium pricing strategies while attracting both professional and recreational players, thereby strengthening market demand and establishing new industry standards.

Boosting promotion through sports celebrities and endorsements

Celebrity partnerships in tennis equipment manufacturing are evolving beyond traditional sponsorship deals into strategic brand collaborations that target diverse consumer segments. For instance, ASICS's signing of Olympic bronze medalist Lorenzo Musetti in January 2025, alongside their partnership with Novak Djokovic, demonstrates how companies build comprehensive athlete portfolios to enhance market penetration across demographics. Similarly, Frances Tiafoe's transition from Nike to lululemon in January 2025 indicates the growing influence of lifestyle brands in tennis, attracting style-conscious consumers to the sport. Also, in the Asia-Pacific region, endorsements from local athletes and Olympic champions drive regional demand and equipment adoption. Yonex's equipment contracts with players like Madison Keys, combined with their Australian Open 2025 successes, help create strong consumer connections and enhance brand loyalty. The current endorsement landscape includes athlete collaboration in product development, incorporating both performance requirements and personal style elements. Moreover, social media platforms enable athletes to directly engage with consumers and influence purchasing decisions while promoting tennis participation. These strategic celebrity partnerships contribute to market growth, product innovation, and broader consumer appeal in the tennis equipment manufacturing industry.

Retailers' shift to direct-to-consumer e-commerce models

Tennis equipment retailers are adopting direct-to-consumer (DTC) e-commerce models to establish closer customer relationships and gain data insights. The USTA's 2023 partnership with Deloitte to enhance e-commerce and private-label offerings illustrates how organizations are prioritizing digital capabilities to develop sustainable revenue streams and increase brand engagement. The DTC approach enables brands to achieve higher margins, deliver personalized experiences, and adjust inventory based on consumer behavior analysis. The 2025 E-commerce Trends Report by DHL Group indicates that 26% of global consumers purchase sports, leisure, and hobby items, including tennis equipment, through online marketplaces, while 23% make purchases via social media platforms ^{[1]Source: DHL Group, "2025 E-Commerce Trends Report", dhl.com}. Moreover, brands are using data analytics to enhance marketing strategies, personalize product recommendations, and build customer loyalty. This transformation is reflected in companies' investments in digital-first strategies, AI-powered customer service, and influencer marketing campaigns across Instagram and TikTok platforms. Consumer preferences for online shopping convenience and personalized experiences drive market expansion, influencing brand innovation, consumer engagement, and competitive dynamics.

Fluctuating raw material availability

Raw material availability challenges are significantly impacting tennis equipment manufacturing operations, affecting production costs and delivery schedules across manufacturers. Supply vulnerabilities persist in synthetic materials for racquet frames, including carbon fiber, composites, and polymers, as well as rubber and felt for tennis balls. Recent tariff implementations in key markets have increased costs and forced companies to reevaluate their sourcing strategies. The environmental impact is significant, with annual production of 330 million tennis balls, of which 95% end up in landfills, creating pressure to secure sustainable material alternatives as per the Ellen MacArthur Foundation in 2023 ^{[2]Source: Ellen MacArthur Foundation, "Running rings: why we need a circular economy for sports kit", ellenmacarthurfoundation.org}. In response, manufacturers are adopting vertical integration strategies, exploring alternative sourcing options, and developing products using single materials and recycled content. Examples include the International Tennis Federation's single-material ball prototypes and Phoenix Tennis Ball's recycled products. However, smaller manufacturers struggle to secure long-term contracts or manage cost increases, potentially leading to market consolidation. The market's future performance increasingly depends on developing robust supply chains and advancing material innovation to address both supply disruptions and environmental concerns.

Limited tennis infrastructure in certain emerging regions

Limited tennis infrastructure in emerging regions creates significant market barriers, restricting both grassroots participation and player development. Countries across Asia, Africa, and parts of Latin America encounter substantial barriers to entry, including high initial construction costs and a shortage of skilled maintenance personnel. These regions demonstrate a notable scarcity of public access facilities, tennis clubs, school programs, and municipal investments compared to established markets in North America and Europe. The infrastructure deficit directly impacts equipment sales potential, as players without reliable access to quality courts are less likely to make regular purchases of racquets, balls, and apparel. Additional challenges include increasing urbanization pressures, competition for recreational space, and the tendency to prioritize sports with lower infrastructure requirements. While some countries are making progress through targeted infrastructure initiatives, such as Canada and China's investments in year-round facilities and community programs, development remains slow in many populous nations. Market growth will continue to be asymmetrical, primarily concentrated in established markets and regions that emphasize sports infrastructure development, until emerging markets implement viable solutions for expanding court access.

Segment Analysis

By Product Type: Racquets Lead Despite Footwear's Rapid Ascent

Racquets hold a 41.23% market share in 2024, maintaining their position as the essential equipment purchase for tennis players across all skill levels. This segment's strength is supported by technological advancements, as seen in Wilson's Clash V3 series with SI3D technology launched in 2025, which offers improved frame flexibility and off-center stability. Natural wear of strings and frames creates consistent replacement cycles, providing manufacturers with stable revenue streams.

The footwear segment is projected to grow at 5.97% CAGR during 2025-2030, making it the fastest-expanding category. Growth is exemplified by ASICS's GEL-RESOLUTION X tennis shoe release in January 2025, which features FF BLAST PLUS ECO foam for cushioning and DYNAWALL technology for lateral stability. Moreover, tennis balls maintain consistent demand due to regular replacement needs, while apparel growth is supported by designs that appeal to both athletic and casual consumers. The bags and accessories segment shows increasing potential, demonstrated by Wilson's 2025 Roland-Garros Collection's premium pricing strategy. The "Others" category, comprising training aids and court equipment, is expanding through the integration of AI technology and smart training solutions.

Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase

By End User: Adult Dominance Challenged by Youth Momentum

Adults account for 82.09% of the market in 2024, driven by their higher purchasing power and continuous engagement with tennis. This segment shows strong adoption of premium products, as professionals and dedicated amateurs invest in high-performance equipment to improve their game. The stable adult market provides manufacturers with consistent revenue and opportunities in the premium segment. Besides, tennis serves as both a fitness activity and a social sport for adults, driving regular equipment upgrades and repeat purchases.

The kids segment is growing at 6.14% CAGR, fueled by rising youth participation and increased parental investment in children's athletic development. Manufacturers have responded with specialized products, including lightweight racquets and size-appropriate equipment to improve playability for young players. According to the United States Tennis Association, players under 35 contributed to two-thirds of the 8% growth in US tennis participation in 2024 ^{[3]Source: United States Tennis Association, "2025 U.S. Tennis Participation Report", usta.com}. The expansion of school programs and junior development initiatives continues to drive equipment demand, while parents increasingly view tennis as a valuable skill. Additionally, the influence of professional athletes and Olympic success stories inspires young players to pursue tennis, maintaining steady demand for beginner and intermediate equipment.

By Application: Amateur Market Drives Accessibility Innovation

Amateur/personal application segment accounts for 61.16% of the market share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.58% through 2030. This dominance reflects tennis's widespread popularity as a recreational activity. The segment's strength stems from consistent demand for accessible, user-friendly equipment that combines performance with playability, enabling manufacturers to develop products specifically for recreational players. The growth is further supported by increasing health and wellness awareness, as tennis provides an effective form of exercise suitable for various age groups.

Professional/commercial segment, despite its smaller volume, maintains significant market influence through premium pricing and technological innovation. Professional equipment usage in tournaments and media coverage shapes consumer preferences and purchasing patterns among recreational players. The market expansion is supported by continued infrastructure development, including public court renovations and facility improvements. For instance, the UK's Department for Culture, Media and Sport initiated the renovation of 1,000 public courts in 2023, enhancing accessibility for both amateur and professional players.

By Distribution Channel: Digital Transformation Accelerates Online Growth

Online retail stores are growing at 6.66% CAGR, outpacing traditional offline channels as consumers shift toward digital shopping platforms. Growth stems from improved online experiences, including virtual fitting tools and AI-powered product recommendations that enhance consumer decision-making. Lawn Tennis Association's 2024 partnership with Pro:Direct Tennis exemplifies governing bodies' utilization of digital distribution channels to expand reach. E-commerce growth strengthens through direct-to-consumer strategies, allowing brands to develop stronger customer relationships while improving profit margins.

Offline retail stores hold 66.05% market share in 2024, highlighting the importance of physical product interaction, especially for premium equipment like racquets, where grip size and weight distribution are essential considerations. For instance, in June 2024 acquisition of Tennis-Point by Fromuth Racquet Sports demonstrates retail sector consolidation as companies integrate online capabilities with physical stores. Traditional retailers implement omnichannel strategies that combine online and offline experiences, including in-store pickup options for online purchases and digital catalogs in physical locations. Distribution landscape continues to evolve toward hybrid models that combine the advantages of both channels to address varying consumer preferences.

Geography Analysis

North America holds 31.91% market share in 2024, with the United States leading regional growth through its 25.7 million tennis players and continuous infrastructure development. Key investments include the USTA's USD 800 million transformation of the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center and the USD 125.4 million Swing Racquet + Paddle facility in Raleigh, scheduled for May 2025. Canada and Mexico contribute to market expansion through increased participation and facility development. The region's established market structure supports premium product adoption, backed by robust corporate sponsorship, developed retail networks, and widespread sports participation across demographics.

The Asia-Pacific tennis equipment market is experiencing significant growth, with certain segments expected to reach CAGRs of 7.30% during 2025-2030. This expansion is primarily driven by increasing urbanization, government investments in sports facilities, and growing tennis participation across major cities. Equipment manufacturers are responding by expanding their product lines and establishing partnerships with regional athletes and sports organizations. The market demonstrates strong performance in shoes and racquet sales, supported by an increase in international tournament hosting and national fitness programs. The combination of grassroots tennis development initiatives and the strong presence of both global and regional manufacturers is strengthening the region's position in the global market. With continuous development in tennis infrastructure and a growing player base, Asia-Pacific is positioned to be a key growth driver in the global tennis equipment market through 2030.

Europe demonstrates consistent growth, supported by its strong tennis heritage and infrastructure investments, including the UK's GBP 30 million public court renovation program planned for June 2025. Major tournaments, particularly Wimbledon, stimulate equipment demand and enhance brand visibility. Germany, France, and Italy represent established markets with consistent demand, while Eastern European countries present growth opportunities through rising participation rates and economic advancement. The Middle East and Africa, alongside South America, show substantial growth potential through developing tennis infrastructure and increasing participation rates, supported by international development initiatives and sports investments.