Tennis participation numbers increase in USTA Iowa leagues

About 24 million Americans hit the tennis courts last year and the numbers continue to grow, according to data collected through the Physical Activity Council (PAC) and produced by Sports Marketing Surveys.

Iowa is also seeing lots of growth in adult leagues. This year there was about a 7% increase throughout the state and participation is up about 22% from 2021. League participation numbers increased for the fourth straight year.

• 2021 - 1,764 participants

• 2022 - 1,994 participants

• 2023 - 2,010 participants

• 2024 - 2,153 participants

“It is very exciting to see the continued growth of tennis in Iowa and how more and more people are realizing the physical, social and health benefits of tennis,” said Jennifer Smith, USTA Iowa district league coordinator. “I can’t wait to see what the future holds for tennis in Iowa!”

Tennis participation rates increased during the pandemic, since it was deemed a safe sport to play, and has been steadily rising. Within the USTA Missouri Valley participation jumped 23% from 2022 to 2023, which was the highest year-to-year increase among all USTA sections.