Anticipated Frequently Asked Questions

Regarding the USTA Membership Dues Increase  

Q.      I heard something about a dues increase – please explain?  

A.      The USTA recently approved an increase in membership dues – just the second in more than a decade.  Effective January 1, 2006 dues will increase in most membership categories.  The dues increase is necessary to help offset growing operational, postage and printing costs, but more importantly, to continue to provide great benefits, programs and services to our members. USTA membership remains a great value.

  Q.      Why is a membership dues increase necessary?  

 A.        We have grown the membership program to continue to provide more opportunities for participation and more benefits in the last decade; this is just the second dues increase since 1994!  Since that time, the rising costs of providing benefits and services have been absorbed entirely by the USTA.  The dues increase is necessary to help offset growing operational, postage and printing costs, but more importantly, to continue to provide great benefits, programs and services to our members.  USTA membership remains a great value.  

Q.      When does the increase take effect? 

A.      The increase is effective January 1, 2006     

Q.      When will I see the increase/new dues?  

A.      The new rates take effect upon renewal of your current membership.  You will receive your renewal notice about two months before your membership is due to expire.  When you renew, we encourage you to upgrade your membership to a 3 or 5-year term. You can take advantage of significant discounts and lock-in the rate for a longer period without the worry of renewing each year.

 Q.      Why did I hear about the dues increase in the media (Newspaper, Magazine, TV, etc.)?  Why didn’t I hear about the increase from you/USTA?  

A.      Since the dues increase only affects members at the time of renewal, we felt that personally notifying members through their renewal notices was more appropriate. We also want to manage the volume of calls coming into the Section office and the USTA Member Service Hotline, so lines can be kept open to service our members more effectively.

  Q.      How much is the increase?  How much are the new dues?

  A.        The increase depends on your category of membership (see chart below):

Q.      I’m a lifetime member.  Will the dues increase affect me?

  A.        Thank you for your support as a Lifetime Member! Because you have already paid your life member dues, there is no impact to you.  For new life members, there is a change in Membership dues that will be implemented on January 1, 2006.  

Q.      Why is the change in life member dues so high?  

A.      Life membership dues have not been increased since 1994 – 11 years ago.  The USTA needs to price Life Memberships at a level that makes economic sense for the USTA.  The USTA will be adding a high end life member gift for any new life member who joins.    

Q.      Is there any way I can lower my membership dues?  

A.        The best way to lower the cost of membership is to increase the length of the term. Upgrade to a 3 or 5-year membership and take advantage of significant discounts. You also lock-in your rate for a longer period of time and won’t have to worry about renewing each year.  Here are the rates:

Q.      What are the benefits of USTA membership?  

A.      USTA member benefits are as follows:  

• Ability to play in USTA sanctioned leagues and tournaments;
• Subscriptions to TENNIS magazine and to USTA Magazine for Adult and Family members and SMASH magazine for Junior members;

• Preferred access and discounts on tickets to professional tennis tournaments throughout the country including the US Open;

• On-site Member Appreciation Days, with benefits and premiums, at professional tennis tournaments throughout the country including the US Open;

• Discounts on tennis merchandise and apparel;
• Discounts on luxury tennis packages to the four Grand Slams and other top tournaments;
• Opportunity to apply for the USTA Worldpoints^SM MasterCard® which offers fantastic rewards such as airline tickets, brand name merchandise, or unlimited cash rewards.  

Q.      How does the USTA compare with other membership organizations?

A.      USTA membership is a great value, especially when compared to other membership organizations. We are proud of the benefits we give our members, the tennis programs we offer in our communities and our support of American Tennis through the Davis Cup, the Fed Cup and the US Open.   Monies raised through USTA membership benefit thousands of adults, seniors and children across the country.   

In addition, our market research informs us that existing USTA members believe our membership offers good value for the money.     

Q.      Is there someone I can contact with other questions about my membership?

A.      USTA Member Services can help you with all other membership questions.  Feel free to call the Member Service Center at 1-800-990-USTA (8782) between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. Eastern time Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern time on Sunday, or email questions to: memberservice@usta.com.