U.S. Racket Sports Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Sport (Badminton, Racquetball, Table Tennis, Tennis, Pickleball, Squash), By Price Range (Mass, Premium), By Product, By Distribution Channel, And Segment Forecasts, 2024 - 2030

U.S. Racket Sports Market Size & Trends

The U.S. racket sports market size was estimated at USD 4.79 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 7.1% from 2024 to 2030. The rising popularity of fitness activities, coupled with the desire for social interaction and competitive engagement, has fueled a surge in demand for racket sports like tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Moreover, more individuals engage in these sports as they offer opportunities for physical activity, social interaction, and recreational enjoyment. According to a report released by the U.S. Tennis Association in 2023, the total participation in tennis in the U.S. increased by 33% in the past three years, with approximately 23.6 million people, or 8% of the population, actively engaging in the sport.

High-profile professional tournaments and events, including the U.S. Open in tennis, US Open Racquetball Championships, U.S. Open Badminton Championships, and Minto US Open Pickleball Championships, play a significant role in promoting racket sports and driving consumer interest in related goods. These tournaments attract widespread attention and excitement, showcasing the athleticism and skill of top players. As spectators and fans follow these events, they may be inspired to participate in racket sports themselves, leading to increased demand for equipment and accessories.

With an increasing emphasis on health and fitness, many people are turning to racket sports to stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Racket sports provide a full-body workout that improves cardiovascular health, muscular strength, and endurance. They also offer a fun and engaging way to stay active, reducing the risk of chronic diseases and promoting overall well-being. This focus on health and wellness has driven individuals of all ages and fitness levels to embrace such bat-and-ball sports to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Ongoing advancements in racket design, materials, and technology fuel innovation within the industry. Racket manufacturers continually develop new models with improved performance characteristics, durability, and user experience. Features such as enhanced power, control, and comfort appeal to consumers seeking the latest innovations in racket sports equipment. As manufacturers introduce new products, consumers may upgrade their equipment to take advantage of these advancements. In August 2022, Wilson Sporting Goods Co. introduced the Ultra v4, an upgraded tennis racket designed to deliver increased power through enhanced stability. FORTYFIVE further strengthens the stability of the Ultra v4, Wilson's proprietary carbon fiber construction, resulting in heightened energy return and power.

Endorsements from professional athletes and celebrities can significantly influence consumer behavior and purchasing decisions in the racket sports market. High-profile athletes endorsing specific racket brands or products lend credibility and visibility to those products, attracting consumer attention and driving sales. Consumers may be inspired to emulate their favorite athletes by choosing equipment they endorse, contributing to brand loyalty and market growth. For instance, in January 2023, Wilson Sporting Goods Co. appointed Marta Kostyuk as its first brand ambassador and advisory staff member. The 20-year-old Ukrainian tennis star will represent Wilson across rackets, footwear, and clothing while providing insights and testing its performance products.

Industry Dynamics

The market is characterized by a high level of innovation.  While core technologies like rackets, balls, and apparel have reached maturity, ongoing innovation focuses on enhancing performance through materials, design, and ergonomics. This is evident in advancements like lighter rackets, aerodynamic ball designs, and breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics. The industry also witnesses steady M&A activities, primarily driven by consolidation among manufacturers and distributors. Larger companies are acquiring smaller brands to expand their product portfolios and penetrate new market segments.

Regulations in the U.S. racket sports industry are relatively minimal. Safety regulations for equipment, particularly for youth athletes, are in place, but they are generally not stringent or disruptive. Industry self-regulation also plays a role, with organizations like the U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) setting safety standards and promoting fair play. The U.S. racket sports market faces competition from alternative leisure activities, team sports, fitness activities, and e-sports. The rise of e-sports and virtual reality (VR) experiences presents a particularly strong challenge, offering immersive and accessible entertainment alternatives. However, racket sports maintain a strong position due to their social aspects, health benefits, and accessibility across various age groups and skill levels.

While professional players and competitive leagues contribute significantly to brand visibility and product development, most players are recreational enthusiasts. This dispersed end user base presents challenges in marketing and product segmentation, as brands need to cater to a wide range of skill levels, age groups, and playing styles. However, the large and fragmented nature of the market also presents opportunities for niche players to target specific segments with specialized products and services.

Sport Insights

The tennis segment accounted for a revenue share of 55.42% in 2023. Tennis is becoming increasingly popular, with more and more people picking up the sport for recreation, fitness, and competition. This is driven by the growing awareness of the physical and mental benefits of tennis and the increased accessibility of facilities. The growing popularity of tennis has led to increased media coverage, driving awareness of the sport and attracting new players. This includes traditional media outlets, such as television and print, and social media platforms. The 2023 U.S. Tennis Open captured the audience’s attention, with more than 3.4 million viewers tuning in, up 27% from last year’s tournament. In addition to TV viewership, the tournament had its fair share of social media coverage that generated buzz.

The pickleball segment is anticipated to witness a growth rate of 13.8% from 2024 to 2030. Pickleball is known for its easy-to-learn nature, social aspect, and low-impact gameplay, making it an appealing option for people of all ages and skill levels. The rise of pickleball has created significant demand for equipment, apparel, and facilities, contributing to the overall growth of the racket sports sector. The popularity of pickleball, alongside the continued growth of tennis and badminton, indicates the increasing diversification of the racket sports market, catering to different preferences and skill levels. As per the National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA), the popularity of pickleball has skyrocketed to unprecedented levels, with the number of participants surging to 6.4 million in 2022, compared to approximately 2.1 million participants in 2019.

Product Insights

The apparel segment accounted for a revenue share of 67.61% in 2023. The growing popularity of athleisure wear, which combines athletic and fashion elements, is expected to fuel demand for stylish and functional apparel designed explicitly for racket sports. Moreover, the increasing participation of women and youth in racket sports is also expected to drive product demand. Well-established brands like Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour play a dominant role in this market. Their extensive marketing campaigns and celebrity endorsements have created strong brand loyalty among consumers, who are willing to pay a premium for the latest apparel from these brands.

The equipment segment is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 9.7% from 2024 to 2030. Technological advancements in equipment design and materials have enhanced the performance and durability of rackets, strings, and balls. The introduction of lightweight and powerful rackets, high-performance strings, and advanced ball designs has increased the appeal of racquet sports among players of all levels. This has led to increased spending on equipment as players strive to improve their game.

Price Range Insights

The mass segment accounted for a revenue share of 74.75% in 2023. Mass-priced goods are well-suited for the entry-level market, which includes beginners and casual players. As individuals start to explore racket sports, they are more inclined to opt for affordable options as they develop their skills and determine their commitment to the sport. Mass-priced goods also enhance the inclusivity and accessibility of racket sports. By making equipment more affordable and attainable for a broader range of individuals, these goods encourage more people to participate in racket sports, thereby contributing to market growth.

The premium segment is estimated to register a CAGR of 8.6% from 2024 to 2030. Premium-priced goods often boast superior quality, innovative technology, and advanced materials compared to their mass-priced counterparts. Brand reputation and prestige play a significant role in driving the demand for premium-priced goods. Established brands with a history of excellence and endorsement by professional athletes or celebrities command a higher perceived value among consumers. As a result, consumers may be willing to pay a premium for products associated with reputable brands known for their superior craftsmanship and performance.

Distribution Channel Insights

The sporting goods retailers segment accounted for a revenue share of 17.95% in 2023. Sporting goods retailers offer convenient access to racket sports equipment, with numerous store locations and online platforms catering to casual players and seasoned athletes. Moreover, these retailers often host in-store clinics and demonstrations, providing expert guidance and fostering a sense of community among players. This personalized approach enhances the customer experience and drives loyalty, further contributing to the market's growth.

The online segment is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 8.4% from 2024 to 2030. The convenience, affordability, and wide selection available through e-commerce platforms have attracted consumers to purchase their racket sports equipment and accessories online. Moreover, the ability for consumers to compare prices and read reviews from other customers has enhanced their confidence in online purchases, leading to increased demand for racket sports equipment and accessories through this channel. Besides, the rise of social media and influencer marketing has also played a crucial role in driving online sales, as consumers are exposed to product reviews, demonstrations, and endorsements through these digital channels.

Key U.S. Racket Sports Company Insights

ASICS Corp., Babolat, Mizuno Corp., Yonex Co., Ltd., Li Ning (China) Sports Goods Co., Ltd., and Apacs Sports Sdn. Bhd. are some of the dominant market players. The market is characterized by intense competition. These companies invest heavily in research and development to develop innovative products using sustainable materials, design, and advanced manufacturing processes. Brands invest in cutting-edge technologies to enhance racket performance, durability, and customization, offering tailored solutions for diverse playing styles. Furthermore, they are capitalizing on the growth of social media and e-commerce platforms to forge closer connections with potential customers. By offering engaging content, interactive experiences, and personalized recommendations, brands can cultivate loyalty and drive sales.

Recent Developments

• In December 2023, Yonex Co., Ltd. introduced the latest addition to its lineup, the ECLIPSION 5 tennis shoe series, crafted specifically for intermediate and advanced players. These shoes are meticulously engineered to offer unparalleled support during intense and dynamic footwork on the court, including quick stops and agile directional changes inherent to tennis gameplay

• In October 2022, Babolat announced the launch of two new badminton racquets, EVO AERO, and EVO AERO LITE, delivering effortless power, comfort, and more spin. Babolat EVO racquets are targeted at players who enjoy fun, energetic games more than competitive, play-to-win matches

• In May 2022, Wilson Sporting Goods Co. unveiled its most luxurious tennis-inspired sportswear collection. The exclusive range combined popular designs with new technical garments, crafted to excel both on and off the tennis court

U.S. Racket Sports Market Report Scope

U.S. Racket Sports Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at country levels and provides an analysis of the latest trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the U.S. racket sports market report based on sport, product, price range, and distribution channel:

• U.S. Racket Sports Sport Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Badminton

  • Racquetball

  • Table Tennis

  • Tennis

  • Pickleball

  • Squash

• U.S. Racket Sports Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Apparel

  • Footwear

  • Equipment

• U.S. Racket Sports Price Range Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Mass

  • Premium

• U.S. Racket Sports Distribution Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Online

  • Sporting Goods Retailers

  • Supermarkets & Hypermarkets

  • Exclusive Brand Outlets

  • Others