French tennis confirms its structuring role in the national sports ecosystem. According to a joint study published by the French Tennis Federation and the Center for Law and Economics of Sport, the entire tennis sector — including the paddle, paratennis, Beach tennis and pickleball — generates an estimated economic impact of 1,5 billion euros in France. A figure that reflects both the vitality of the practices and the extent of the federal commitment on economic, social and territorial levels.

A federation at the heart of French sport

With over 1,2 million registered players by 2025The FFT remains the second sports federation in the countryrelying on a network of more than 7,000 clubsThis dense network covers the entire territory, from major metropolitan areas to rural zones. Added to this foundation are major international events, including Roland-Garros, the Rolex Paris Masters and the Alpine Paris Major, which contribute to the international prestige of the French sporting model.

But the study highlights one key point above all: while major tournaments play a driving role, the core of economic value lies in amateur practice and club life.

1,5 billion euros in economic benefits

In detail, the analysis quantifies a total economic weight of 1,5 billion euros, distributed as follows:

  • 575 million generated by licensees (38,2%)
  • 468 million from the activity of affiliated clubs (31,1%)
  • 223 million related to federal bodies (14,8%)
  • 240 million from tournaments, including major national and international competitions

This data confirms that The local and community-based network constitutes the main source of value...well beyond just professional tennis.

A sector that creates jobs and social connections

French tennis also represents a significant employment leverThe study lists 7,255 full-time equivalent employees et 3,645 full-time equivalent self-employed workers, distributed among the clubs (73% of which are employers), the departmental committees, the regional leagues and the federal headquarters.
In addition to this, there is an often invisible but essential pillar: more than 77 volunteers engaged throughout the year in the life of clubs and competitions.

Diversification of practices, a driver of growth

The continued increase in the number of registered members is largely explained by the diversification of disciplines supported by the FFT. The paddle fully illustrates this dynamic: in 2025, it brings together 850 practitionersi.e twice as much as in 2021.
Le pickleball, a discipline still emerging in France, also shows marked growth with more than 23,000 participants, compared to barely 1,000 at the beginning of 2024.

Faced with this growth, the FFT supports clubs through several structuring mechanisms, such as theSupport for Club and Practice Development or the program Boost Padel, intended to support investments in new infrastructure.
Today, 11% of clubs offer padel. et 14% a pickleball offer, While 36% are considering joining pickleball In the coming years.

A long-term societal commitment

Beyond the economic figures, the study highlights the scale of thesocial commitment of the FFT. For nearly fifteen years, the federation has been multiplying initiatives with social and environmental impact. In 2025:

  • 604 clubs are labeled Tennis Health
  • 17,4 million balls were recycled via theOperation Yellow Ball since 2009
  • Un area dedicated to wheelchair tennis has been officially launched
  • 17 out of 18 leagues have registered the certification FFT Club Committed as a priority objective
  • Le pickleball was introduced within the framework of National Education

Feminization: a clearly defined strategic focus

The feminization of the ecosystem is another major undertaking. The FFT currently has 362,000 licensed members and pursues an active policy to strengthen the role of women, not only in practice, but also in teaching, arbitration, supervision and governance.

In this context, a training program “Inclusion Coach”Developed in collaboration with the WTA, it was launched in 2025. It accompanies ten high-potential female coaches in order to support their career development. This scheme is intended to be renewed each season.

A sector geared towards the future

Through this study, the FFT highlights a reality that is often underestimated: Tennis and its associated disciplines form a genuine economic, social and territorial sectorcapable of innovating, creating jobs and responding to contemporary societal challenges.
A hybrid model, at the crossroads of sport, economics and civic engagement, of which the paddle today it is establishing itself as one of the most dynamic engines.

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