The Growing Tennis Market in the UK: What It Means for Your Printing Business

As of early 2025, the tennis scene in the UK is booming. With over 2,000 tennis clubs nationwide, the majority based in England (around 1,900), followed by Scotland (150) and Wales (62), the sport is more accessible and popular than ever. But the real story lies in the sheer volume of venues and players that make tennis a thriving market for customised apparel.

What Is the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA)?
The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) is the national governing body for tennis in Great Britain. Its mission? To promote and grow tennis at every level, from grassroots to elite competition.

The LTA reported that adult participation in Tennis grew by 44% between 2019 and 2023, reaching approximately 5.6 million adults by the end of 2023.
Children’s participation has also soared, with about 3.6 million kids playing annually, which represents roughly 40% of the population in that age group.
This surge in interest naturally means more players are joining clubs and needing tennis apparel, whether for training, competition, or simply showing team pride.

Club membership hit a record 81,428 members by the end of 2024, marking a 42% increase since 2018.
Similar growth trends are seen throughout the UK, demonstrating tennis’s expanding reach.
But tennis clubs aren’t the only players in the game. Large fitness and tennis operators, like David Lloyd Leisure, reported membership numbers of 785,000 in 2024, up from 755,000 the year before. While these memberships cover a variety of activities, tennis remains a key sport within these facilities.

Why are we talking about this now?

Tennis is synonymous with summer; a season that brings not only warmer weather but also some of the sport’s most iconic events. From the lush grass courts of Wimbledon in the UK to the hard courts of the US Open in New York, summer tennis captivates millions of fans worldwide.

Alongside the global spotlight on Wimbledon and the US Open, local tennis contests and tournaments are buzzing with activity this summer across communities throughout the UK. From grassroots club championships to regional leagues and school competitions, these events bring together players of all ages and skill levels eager to compete and showcase their passion for the sport. 

What Does This Mean for Your Printing Business?
The booming tennis market means there’s a growing demand for customised tennis apparel, from club shirts and training gear to fanwear and competition kits. Whether you work with tennis clubs directly or with larger sports facilities, the opportunity is significant.

And these printing techniques aren’t just limited to tennis! They’re applicable across many other sports, meaning the skills and equipment you invest in can help you tap into various active communities, boosting your business potential year-round.

Ready to Serve the Tennis Market?
With tennis participation at an all-time high, now is the perfect time to expand your printing offerings to cater to clubs, schools, and sports centers. Custom fanwear and performance apparel aren’t just in demand—they’re a growing business opportunity waiting to be seized.