Updated October 2026. Tennis City NYC
Start with how NYC tennis permits work if you’re new to playing here, because permits decide how most of the city’s public courts are used. The other guides cover booking, finding a game and rating your level. Each one links to the official source for its prices and rules.
Permits and booking
- How NYC tennis permits work: who needs one, when and what it covers.
- Season permit or single play: the break-even session count by age.
- Single-play permits: what a court costs and where to buy one today.
- How to reserve a court: the eight sites, the fee and the cancellation limits.
- Walk-up courts and sign-up sheets: who has priority when you arrive.
Choosing a court
- Free courts with no permit: what we could confirm, and what isn’t free.
- Clay courts in NYC: where they are and which shoes to bring.
- Winter and indoor tennis: where to play after the permit season.
- Tennis near Midtown: options close to the office or hotel.
- All courts by borough and court locations.
Finding a game
- USTA leagues in Metro New York: how to join a team in the five boroughs.
- How to rate yourself: NTRP and UTR, and when each one matters.
- How to find a tennis partner.
New here or passing through
- New to New York: a starting plan for players who just moved.
- Visiting New York: playing on a short trip.
Related guides
- New York City Tennis Courts by Borough
- How NYC Tennis Permits Work
- How to Reserve a Tennis Court in NYC
- How to Join a USTA League in Metro New York
Looking for someone to play with? Join the Tennis City NYC Slack group and post a day, time and court at your NTRP level. It is free now; new members pay $5 a year after the 200th member.