Racquet Sports Professionals Association (RSPA)

RSPA (formerly USPTA) organized an interesting Town Hall Meeting on October 24. Ramona Husary moderated the discussions and presentations by CEO Brian Dillman, President Trish Faulkner, and herself as Chief Development Officer.

Brian started with some good news for the organization: “The industry is on fire!” It was pretty clear to me that he wasn’t talking about tennis alone because of the rapid growth of both Pickleball and Padel. And tennis is certainly not everywhere on fire but many tennis clubs are very busy, some with waiting lists for memberships.

But then Brian surprised the audience with actual numbers that sounded quite amazing.

• A substantial 130% increase in new tennis membership applications so far in 2024 (compared to 2023)

• Membership is up 5.7% and 300 shy of an all-time high

He mentioned total racquet sports participation is estimated at 55m with tennis at 24m and Pickleball at 15m. You know my position about bogus participation numbers but to be fair, the numbers provided by the USTA via TIA and SMS, as disconnected from reality as they may be, are the only numbers available today.

Brian also gave a brief overview of the changes that the Executive Board decided on during the rebranding.

I liked to learn they are committed to prioritizing member satisfaction and continuously enhancing the organization to attract new members. Naturally, this focus on member experience is crucial for their long-term success and growth. Additionally, addressing point No. 5 is of paramount importance, given the feedback I have received from our readers over the past few years.

If you haven’t had a chance to go to WRC24 or visit their website recently, here are some highlights of the new RSPA.

• New Mission
  To champion the passion for racquet sports by developing professionals who lead with integrity, innovate in coaching, and inspire a diverse and inclusive racquet community.

• New Vision
  To elevate careers in racquet sports with a certified professional on every court, inspiring people in every sport.

• New Core Identity
  Emphasizing continuous improvement, community focus, unity across all racquet sports, and excellence on and off the court.

Brian tried to reassure the rebels and tennis purists that the organization was not moving away from tennis at all. His premise before the rebranding was “How do we grow more and serve our members better?”

Trish Faulkner emphasized the need to bring more young and diverse members to the organization. She also mentioned the importance of the Apprenticeship program for young racquet sports players and she praised Kevin Theos’s Mentoring program.

Asked why the members were not involved in the rebranding decision, Trish emphasized that there is a certain procedure for big decisions within the organization. Most new ideas originate in the sections and are submitted to the Executive Board for decisions. In other words, members are not directly involved in that process. (Looking at some of the Facebook posts, I have to say THANK GOD!)

One tennis purist posted his opinion in the chat box of the Zoomed Town Hall. I don’t want to post it here but the gist of it was that leadership is killing the USPTA. Straying away from only promoting tennis is taking the organization in a “completely horrible direction.” The below document shows a similar sentiment by Steve O’Connell, a 39-year USPTA veteran.

I recognize that some industry professionals maintain a traditional perspective as tennis purists. However, it's crucial to acknowledge that the racquet sports industry is currently undergoing a significant transition. Forward-thinking organizations are embracing new opportunities presented by emerging racquet sports in clubs and public spaces.

Many tennis teaching professionals have successfully diversified their skill sets by incorporating Pickleball and Padel into their repertoire. This expansion has not only reinvigorated their careers but also broadened their appeal to a wider range of sports enthusiasts. The shift from solely focusing on tennis, where client aspirations might peak at a 3.5 skill level, to a more diverse offering has proven beneficial for both instructors and participants.

In recognition of this industry-wide evolution, we made the strategic decision to rebrand from Tennis Club Business to Racket Business. This change reflects our comprehensive understanding of the market dynamics and positions us to better serve the evolving needs of the racquet sports community.

As a proponent of innovation and progress in business, I wholeheartedly endorse organizations that actively seek and embrace new opportunities. In this spirit, I extend my support to the Racquet Sports Professionals Association and commend its forward-thinking leadership. The progressive approach demonstrated by Brian, his team and the Board is particularly noteworthy and deserves recognition.

The competitive landscape in the racquet sports industry remains dynamic, with organizations like PTR and Racket Pro facing their own challenges in member acquisition and retention. Currently, the RSPA appears to hold a competitive advantage due to its forward-thinking leadership and innovative strategies. The evolution of this market and the performance of these key players will be crucial to monitor as the industry continues to develop.