If you’re a true tennis enthusiast, you’ve probably imagined what it would be like to live and breathe the sport every single day. Not just on the court, but as a business in the fitness industry, a lifestyle, a legacy.
Turning your love for tennis into a thriving tennis club isn’t just a career move in the tennis club industry – it’s your championship point. Like in a perfectly played match, success in this venture comes set by set: first you obtain a tennis coach certification, after that you think about establishing your own tennis club business. And this guide article will be your playbook.
First set: analyze the market – read your opponent.
Second set: organize your ideas and craft a winning strategy.
Third set: run the (financial) numbers and keep your eye on the scoreboard.
Fourth set: break ground – choose the perfect location, build your dream, bring it to life.
Fifth set: open your doors and serve your first ace to the tennis community.
Final score? 6–0, 6–0, 6–0, 6–0, 6–0. A flawless five-set victory.
Now you’re not just playing the game – you’re hosting it. Welcome your target market to a gym grand opening event.
Key Takeaways
- Be aware that if you want to open a new tennis club, it will be a big investment and a lot of careful planning, but in the long run it has a good chance of paying off and bringing satisfaction.
- When you open a tennis club and want to stand out, you need to plan everything carefully: from buying or leasing tennis equipment (read more: lease gym equipment), through inventing a superb idea for your tennis lessons, ending with keeping an eye on legal fees or competition in the constantly changing tennis market.
- Write a tennis club business plan so that no important area of business planning escapes your attention. These areas include: financial plan (both startup costs and ongoing ones), tennis equipment and court maintenance schedule, market analysis, marketing strategy (online marketing too), benchmarking against competitors (if there are many tennis clubs around), etc.
- Total estimated startup cost for a moderately luxurious tennis club is around $905,000-$2,285,000. If you want to add indoor courts or dome structure, fitness center or café, and on-site tennis academy dorms, expect to spend another $650,000 and up.
- Having an own club is demanding - use a sports facility management software to manage your new tennis club easily, quickly and making it easier for customers to communicate, book and pay.
1. How to Start a Tennis Club Business
Step by step, like set by set, we will now guide you through the process of starting a tennis business successfully. Ready?
Step 1. Define Your Vision
Start by deciding what type of tennis club you want to create. Will it be a competitive academy focused on developing top-tier players? A recreational club offering personal training, group and private lessons and casual play for all skill levels? Or a community hub that brings people together through inclusive programs and social events on the tennis courts?
Your vision of the tennis club shapes everything in the competitive market – coaching needs, programming, marketing (also online – like social media ads), and the overall culture. A clear purpose helps you attract the right members and build a club that reflects your goals.
Step 2. Perform Market Research
Thorough market research is essential before launching your tennis club. Start by assessing local demand – who are your prospective members? Are there enough potential members, because there is a thriving tennis community? Or maybe there are enthusiasts, or aspiring athletes in your area to support a new club? Look into demographics, local sports participation rates, and community interest in tennis-related activities.
Next, analyze your competitors. What services do other local businesses offer? What are their strengths and weaknesses? Understanding their pricing, programming, facilities (tennis courts and what more?), and customer base will help you position your club strategically.
Finally, work to identify gaps in the current market. Is there a lack of junior development programs, limited access to affordable lessons, or no local schools of tennis or indoor courts nearby? Finding unmet needs gives your club a chance to offer unique value and attract a loyal membership base. Solid research ensures you launch with a clear edge and realistic expectations.
Remember, or better yet, write down this information, because it will be an important part of the tennis club business plan that you will be creating in a moment.
Step 3. Choose Appropriate Business Model
Selecting the right business model works for your tennis club’s sustainability and appeal. Choose the right gym business model for your entrepreneurship, based on both your ideas and dreams, but also on the industry analysis. Consider whether you’ll operate on a:
- a system based on club memberships, where members pay monthly or annually for tennis courts access and benefits,
- pay-per-use model, ideal for casual players who prefer flexibility,
- hybrid approach that combines both to serve a wider audience.
Also, decide on your target demographic. Will your programming focus on:
- adult leagues and clinics on your tennis courts,
- youth development through tennis lessons,
- companies who want to organize events in the tennis facilities,
- or a balanced mix of all?
Each choice affects pricing, scheduling, staffing, and marketing of your new tennis club. A well-aligned business model ensures consistent revenue and a strong connection with your core audience.
Keep this information in mind – the best idea is write it down – as it will play an important role in the tennis club business plan you’ll be developing shortly.
Step 4. Choose the Best Legal Structure
When planning to open a tennis club, selecting the right legal structure is one of the most important steps that will impact how your business is taxed, managed, and protected.
Keep in mind local regulations, possible strategic partnerships, industry analysis and – why not – hire a legal counsel to help you with the difficult subjects and decisions.
Common legal structure options worth considering when you decide to open a tennis club are:
- a sole proprietorship,
- a limited liability company (LLC),
- a corporation.
Each has different implications for liability, administrative complexity, and how your revenue streams – such as tennis lessons, court rentals, or pro shop sales – are handled.
For example, an LLC is often a popular choice for small businesses because it offers liability protection while maintaining flexibility in management and taxation. If your tennis club requires multiple owners or plans to seek financial backing, a corporation might be more appropriate. On the other hand, a sole proprietorship is the simplest structure but comes with personal liability risks.
As we mentioned, these decisions affect your finances, taxes, and legal responsibilities, so it’s wise to consult a legal or financial advisor. Taking the time to set up the right structure at the start will help you build a stable foundation as you grow and diversify your tennis club’s services.
When writing your business plan, also be open to possible changes to the model in the future.
Step 5. Create a Tennis Club Business Plan
A solid business plan turns your vision into a successful new tennis club. This plan should outline, particularly, a market analysis and a financial plan:
- your initial investment requirements: including costs for tennis facilities, equipment, staff (also employee benefits if you wish to create a nice relation with your staff), and ongoing court maintenance.
- revenue forecast that accounts for different income streams: such as offering tennis lessons, court rentals, court fees, memberships, and merchandise sales.
- gym pricing strategy: are you planning to have competitive prices to attract customers to your tennis club, but at the same time have you calculated that such prices can more than cover your operating costs? Or maybe you prefer to be more expensive, but maintain the image of a prestigious tennis club – like high end gyms do?
- target market for tennis lessons and events identified clearly: are you focusing on private lessons for junior players, adult leagues, or club memberships for recreational users? Understanding the tennis market in your area will help shape your pricing, programming, and marketing strategies (also online marketing).
- set short- and long-term goals in your business plan: for example whether it’s breaking even in year one or hosting regular community events by year two.
A comprehensive plan helps attract investors, secure financing, and guide your operations as your tennis club grows.
Read in our other article: Gym business plan, about creating this document in the fitness industry surrounding, apply that to the tennis market.
Step 6. Use a Tennis Club Management Software
Why? Because of better and easier scheduling, booking, billing, membership tracking and communication. It’s not only one of the key trends of technology in the service of fitness. It is a real gamechanger in the competitive industry, where comprehensive tennis experience counts for the existing and potential members.
Look what a good sports facility management software can do!
The benefits of using good management software are numerous. Here, only some of them:
- Streamlining all the boring administrative tasks and giving you the possibility to rush to your tennis courts and your students,
- Making membership fees billing easier, quicker and more flexible through gym payment systems,
- Improving customer experience and so boosting your tennis community engagement,
- Enabling data-driven decision making thanks to gym reporting software module,
- Advertising your new tennis club and raising awareness of the community events you organize on your tennis courts.
If you don’t know WodGuru yet, check it out for a trial period – it’s free, no strings attached, but we are quite sure it’s going to give you a “wow, I’m staying” effect.
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2. Tennis Club Business: Prepare What’s Necessary
Tennis Facilities
When you open a tennis club, think about more than just laying down a surface and putting up a net. To ensure a high-quality experience for players and spectators alike, it’s essential to plan and prepare all the necessary tennis facilities that support the court’s functionality, comfort, and accessibility. Here are the core elements to consider during the planning process:
- Outdoor vs. Indoor Courts (or Both): Decide whether your court will be exposed to the elements or housed indoors. Outdoor courts are typically more cost-effective and easier to build but can be weather-dependent. Indoor courts allow for year-round play and protection from rain or extreme temperatures, though they require more extensive construction and ventilation systems. A hybrid approach with both options may offer maximum flexibility.
- Surface Types (Clay, Grass, Hard Court): Choose the playing surface based on your budget, maintenance capacity, and player preference. Clay courts offer a slower game and are easier on joints but require more upkeep. Grass courts provide a fast-paced game with a traditional aesthetic but are costly to maintain. Hard courts are the most common, offering a balanced playing experience with relatively low maintenance.
- Lighting for Night Play: If you plan to allow play tennis after dark, installing high-quality lighting is essential. LED lights are energy-efficient and provide clear visibility without glare. Properly positioned lights enhance safety and allow for extended playing hours, increasing court availability and revenue potential for commercial facilities.
- Locker Rooms, Bathrooms, Parking, and Waiting Areas: Comfortable and accessible amenities elevate the overall experience. Locker rooms and bathrooms are vital for hygiene and convenience. Adequate parking ensures easy access, while well-designed waiting areas with seating and shade contribute to a welcoming environment for both players and spectators.
- Do you have all of the above written into your business plan? If not, improve – your business plan needs to be super detailed.
Tennis Equipment
To run a successful tennis facility, having the right equipment on hand is essential. From playing gear to maintenance tools, each item plays a role in ensuring smooth operations and a great experience for players.
- Nets, Racquets, Balls, Ball Machines: Provide quality nets, a range of racquets, durable tennis balls, and ball machines to support individual training, group lessons, and regular play.
- Court Maintenance Tools: Include essentials like drag brushes, squeegees, and line sweepers, tailored to your court surface type, to ensure consistent court quality and safety.
- Seating Areas and Shade for Spectators: Install comfortable seating with shade structures to keep spectators protected from sun and rain during matches and events.
Be sure to have adequate insurance coverage that takes into account equipment and buildings.
Staffing
A skilled and well-rounded team is the heart of your tennis club. It delivers high-quality tennis programs, maintains your facility’s image and so – boosts the community engagement. Consider the following roles when assembling your staff.
- Certified Tennis Instructors/Coaches: hire qualified coaches to offer training for all levels, from beginner to advanced, ensuring professional instruction and player development.
- Administrative Staff: employ staff to manage bookings, payments, and customer service, helping your facility run smoothly and efficiently. However, it does not have to be many people. Look into sports facility management software, which reduces the need to hire administrative staff to a minimum.
- Facility Maintenance/Cleaning Crew: maintain cleanliness and upkeep of courts, restrooms, and common areas to ensure a safe and pleasant environment.
- Optional: Fitness Trainers, Nutritionists, Sports Psychologists, Event Staff: enhance your program with social events, expert support for physical conditioning, diet, and mental performance.
Location of the Tennis Facilities
Choosing the right location is one of the most important decisions when you open a tennis club. It affects accessibility, visibility, and your ability to attract the right clientele.
- Accessibility – Central Location or Suburban with Parking: consider whether your facility should be in a central urban area with high foot traffic or in a suburban zone with ample parking. Easy access via public transport or major roads will significantly impact usage and customer satisfaction.
- Visibility and Traffic: a location with strong street visibility or foot traffic can help attract spontaneous visitors and build brand awareness. Sites near shopping centers, schools, or sports complexes offer built-in exposure.
- Demographics of the Area: analyze the local population – age groups, income levels, and lifestyle habits – to ensure there’s sufficient demand for tennis programming. A younger, active community may support recreational play, while more affluent areas may sustain premium services and memberships.
Marketing Essentials
Do you want to attract and retain players to your tennis facilities? If so, don’t hesitate to build strong branding and ongoing promotion. Your marketing strategy should combine digital presence with community engagement.
- Logo and Branding: develop a professional logo and cohesive brand identity that reflects your facility’s values and tone. Consistent fitness branding across signage, uniforms, and digital materials builds trust and recognition.
- Website and Social Media Presence: a user-friendly website with booking options, schedules, and pricing sounds really attractive from the member’s perspective, doesn’t it? Active social media accounts help engage your audience, promote upcoming events, and showcase your facility’s atmosphere with success stories.
- Marketing Software: use specialized gym marketing software to streamline promotions, customer communication, and analytics. These tools can automate marketing efforts and improve customer retention.
- Partnerships with Schools, Sports Stores, or Community Groups: form strategic partnerships to expand your reach. Collaborations with schools can bring in youth programs; sports retailers may offer co-promotions; local groups can boost community engagement.
Financial Considerations
Proper budgeting is crucial for both startup success and long-term sustainability. Understand your investment requirements, ongoing costs, and potential revenue streams.
- Initial Investment: Construction, Land Lease/Purchase, Permits: factor in all one-time startup expenses, including land acquisition or leasing, court construction, permits, equipment, and facility build-out. These are typically the largest upfront costs.
- Operational Costs: Salaries, Utilities, Insurance, Maintenance: plan for monthly expenses such as employee wages, electricity, water, heating/cooling, liability insurance (choose the widest insurance coverage, even though it costs more), and regular facility upkeep. These costs will impact your break-even timeline.
- Revenue Streams: Memberships, Lessons, Tournaments, Merchandising: diversify income through multiple channels: monthly or annual memberships, private and group lessons, hosted tournaments, merchandise sales in a pro shop, and even court rentals for outside events.
Insurance
Protecting your facility, staff, and customers through proper insurance coverage is essential. The right policies not only help you comply with legal requirements but also shield your business from financial risk in case of accidents, injuries, or property damage.
- Liability Insurance: this is a must-have for any sports facility. General liability insurance covers injuries that may occur on the premises – such as slips, falls, or player collisions – as well as potential lawsuits from participants or visitors.
- Workers’ Compensation: if you employ staff, most states require workers’ compensation insurance. It covers medical expenses and lost wages if employees are injured on the job, such as during court maintenance or while providing instruction.
- Property Insurance: protect your physical assets – including courts, buildings, equipment, and furnishings – against damage from fire, theft, vandalism, or natural disasters. This coverage ensures you can recover quickly without major financial loss.
Funding Options
Launching a tennis facility requires significant upfront capital. Fortunately, there are multiple ways to secure funding depending on your business model, community impact, and financial profile.
- Small Business Loans (SBA or Banks): traditional financing through banks or government-backed loans, such as those offered by the Small Business Administration (SBA), can provide the capital needed for construction, equipment, or initial operating costs.
- Grants for Sports/Recreation Programs: research federal, state, and nonprofit grants that support youth sports, community health, or active living initiatives. These funds are often non-repayable and can help reduce your financial burden.
- Local Business Development Incentives: some municipalities offer tax breaks, reduced fees, or low-interest loans to encourage new business development, especially in underserved or revitalization areas. Check with your local economic development office.
- Investors or Private Equity: consider attracting investors who are interested in fitness, sports, or real estate ventures. They can provide substantial funding in exchange for equity or a return on investment over time.
- Crowdfunding (Especially for Community-Focused Clubs): platforms like Kickstarter or GoFundMe allow you to raise funds directly from your community. This approach is ideal if your club promotes youth engagement, inclusivity, or local partnerships.
4. BONUS: Attract New Customers to Your Tennis Courts
In a competitive market, simply offering quality courts isn’t enough – you need to stand out. Attracting new players and building loyalty requires a mix of smart marketing, unique offerings, and strong community presence.
Here’s how to differentiate your tennis club from competitors and draw in new customers.
How to Distinguish Your Club from Competitors
- Special programs:
- Junior development academies
- Tennis holidays/camps
- Couples’ packages
- Group fitness & cardio tennis classes
- Beginner bootcamps
- Junior development academies
- Corporate collaboration:
- Team-building events for businesses
- Corporate wellness partnerships
- Team-building events for businesses
- Tournaments & events:
- Monthly competitions
- Charity matches
- Guest exhibitions with known players
- Monthly competitions
- Member perks:
- Loyalty programs
- Discounts on equipment
- Wellness add-ons: yoga, massage, nutrition workshops
- Loyalty programs
How to Attract New Customers
- Launch campaign ideas:
- Grand opening event: free clinics, food trucks, live DJ
- Free trial lesson or court time
- Referral programs: discounts for bringing friends
- Competitions & raffles: win a 1-month free membership
- Show tennis is cool:
- Leverage TikTok, Instagram reels with fun drills or success stories
- Highlight fitness, community, and social aspects
- Leverage TikTok, Instagram reels with fun drills or success stories
- Grand opening event: free clinics, food trucks, live DJ
- Engagement with schools and local groups
- Online ads targeting active adults, parents, and retirees
Startup Cost Breakdown for a New Tennis Club
Below there is an approximate cost breakdown for establishing a mid-sized tennis club from scratch in the USA. This estimate assumes a facility with 4–6 outdoor hard courts, a modest clubhouse, and basic amenities.
Please note that actual costs will vary based on location, materials, and scale.
Category | Estimated Cost (USD) |
Land Acquisition / Lease (2–5 acres) | $200,000 – $800,000 |
Court Construction (4–6 hard courts) | $300,000 – $600,000 |
Lighting System | $50,000 – $100,000 |
Clubhouse (locker rooms, office, lounge) | $150,000 – $350,000 |
Parking Lot & Landscaping | $40,000 – $100,000 |
Fencing and Windscreens | $30,000 – $60,000 |
Furniture & Fixtures (waiting area, lockers) | $25,000 – $50,000 |
Pro Shop Setup (inventory, displays) | $15,000 – $30,000 |
Court Equipment (nets, benches, ball machines) | $20,000 – $40,000 |
Software (booking, CRM, POS) | $5,000 – $10,000 |
Marketing & Branding (initial launch) | $10,000 – $25,000 |
Legal, Insurance & Permits | $10,000 – $20,000 |
Working Capital (3–6 months ops) | $50,000 – $100,000 |
Total Estimated Startup Cost
Total estimated startup cost for a moderately luxurious tennis club is around $905,000-$2,285,000. If you want to add indoor courts or dome structure, fitness center or café, and on-site tennis academy dorms, expect to spend another $650,000 and up.
Optional Add-ons (if applicable):
- Indoor courts or dome structure: $300,000 – $1M extra
- Fitness center or café: $75,000 – $200,000
- On-site tennis academy dorms: $150,000+
Total Estimated Startup Cost
for a moderate tennis club:
$905,000 – $2,285,000
optional add-ons:
$650,000 and up
FAQ
Begin with a solid business plan outlining your target market, services (like coaching or court rentals), and startup costs including construction, equipment, and insurance. Choose a location, secure funding, and consider adding merchandising to boost revenue. Promote your events to attract members and build awareness.
Focus on delivering excellent coaching, maintaining top-quality courts, and offering value-added amenities like a pro shop or fitness area. Keep your tennis club active with tournaments, leagues, and the closest events. A clear business plan, strong staff, and good member communication are key.
Develop a well-structured coaching program that caters to all skill levels, with clear progression from beginner to elite levels. Hire certified and experienced instructors who can deliver high-quality training and mentorship, especially for juniors and competitive players aiming for collegiate or professional careers. Design a long-term player development pathway that includes technical training, match play, fitness conditioning, and mental coaching. Be sure to factor key startup costs – such as court construction, training equipment, and housing facilities (if applicable) – into your business plan. To build your academy’s reputation and attract new talent, host upcoming events such as seasonal camps, evaluation days, and open tryouts. These not only increase visibility but also foster community engagement and player recruitment.
Define your niche within the tennis industry – whether it’s performance apparel, specialized gear, or player-focused services – and craft a unique brand identity that reflects your mission and target audience. Develop a comprehensive business plan that outlines your product development strategy, production process, marketing efforts, and sales channels. Focus on building a strong visual identity and messaging that sets your brand apart from competitors. To gain traction and credibility, partner with tennis clubs, coaches, or local academies, and consider sponsoring upcoming events, tournaments, or youth programs. These partnerships not only enhance visibility but also build trust with potential customers. Additionally, selling through established pro shop networks or online marketplaces can help expand your reach and connect your brand with active players in a trusted environment.
