A landmark study, conducted jointly by Club Benchmarking, the Club Management Association of America (CMAA), and the National Club Association (NCA), reveals the vast economic impact that private clubs have across the United States. The research indicates these clubs collectively generated $32.6 billion in direct revenue in 2023, supported a $17.4 billion payroll, and employed 573,000 workers, underscoring private clubs as a vital contributor to the national and local economies.
Private Clubs: Significant Contributor to the National Economy
Across the US, there are approximately 5,659 private clubs, ranging from golf and country clubs to yacht and racquet clubs. The Economic Impact Study focused on 3,887 of these clubs, each with annual revenues exceeding $1 million.
This research marks a significant step in quantifying the economic influence of private clubs, demonstrating their role not only as exclusive social hubs but also as economic engines within communities across the country.
Local Employment
Private clubs have a profound influence at the local level, where the majority of their employees also reside. Clubs offer a variety of flexible employment opportunities—seasonal, part-time, and full-time roles—benefiting workers who need adaptable schedules. The study reports that private clubs provided a total payroll of $17.4 billion in 2023, with $14.6 billion in wages and $2.8 billion in payroll taxes and benefits.
Compared to major corporations, the club industry’s employment numbers are impressive. For context, FedEx, UPS, and Marriott employ 529,000, 500,000, and 411,000 people, respectively—figures that the club industry surpasses.
Indirect and Induced Economic Effects
Beyond direct contributions, the private club industry stimulates additional economic activity through indirect and induced effects. These impacts extend to related industries such as food service, utilities, sports equipment, insurance, and construction, with clubs purchasing substantial volumes of goods and services. Additionally, spending by club employees in their local communities further amplifies economic benefits, underscoring the value of clubs as “Main Street” businesses that reinforce local economies.
The total impact, in consideration of indirect and induced impact, is measured at $157 billion of revenue, $65 billion of total payroll, and the creation of 1.5 million jobs across the economy.
Regional Insights
Among US regions, the South boasts the largest concentration of private clubs, driven by states like Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. Florida alone has the highest number of clubs, contributing significantly to both the regional and national economies.
About the Study
This report, managed by Professor SoJung Lee, Ph.D., of Iowa State University, and Ray Cronin, founder of Club Benchmarking, utilized data from the extensive Club Benchmarking database. The study covered operations from 2023, with data analysis conducted from November 2023 to April 2024. The project received contributions from leading institutions including Iowa State University, Florida Atlantic University, and the University of Florida.
The research and collaboration team will provide further insights at an upcoming industry webinar on Tuesday, December 17, at 1:00 p.m. Learn more at cmaa.org/learn/online-programs/webinars/.
For a complete copy of the report or for more information on the economic impact of private clubs in the United States, please contact:
| Club Benchmarking Teri Finan tfinan@clubbenchmarking.com 617-830-2570 |
Club Management Association of America Melissa Low, CAE goodnews@cmaa.org 703-739-9500 |
National Club Association Kim Fernandez, CAE fernandez@nationalclub.org 202-684-8751 |
About Club Benchmarking
Club Benchmarking is the industry’s leading provider of data analytics and business intelligence software and related services for private clubs. Since its founding in 2009, the company has been committed to serving the full spectrum of club industry stakeholders – staff, management, boards, committees, members, owners and associations. Leadership teams across the country rely on Club Benchmarking and their Financial Insight Model ™ and Key Performance Indicators recognized as the cornerstones of a common industry framework for understanding club finance. Learn more at clubbenchmarking.com.
About CMAA
Founded in 1927, the Club Management Association of America (CMAA) is the largest professional association for managers of membership clubs with 7,800 members throughout the US and internationally. Our members contribute to the success of more than 2,600 country, golf, athletic, city, faculty, military, town, and yacht clubs. The objectives of the Association are to promote relationships between club management professionals and other similar professions; to encourage the education and advancement of members; and to provide the resources needed for efficient and successful club operations. Under the covenants of professionalism, education, leadership, and community, CMAA continues to extend its reach as the leader in the club management practice. CMAA is headquartered in Alexandria, VA, with 40 professional chapters and 40 current and prospective student chapters. Learn more at cmaa.org.
About National Club Association
The National Club Association (NCA) has been the advocate for the private club industry in Washington, D.C., for more than 60 years. As the voice of private clubs on Capitol Hill, NCA ensures that club concerns are forefront when legislative and regulatory issues affecting the industry are being decided. In addition, NCA provides club leaders an outstanding array of resources on club industry trends, governance best practices, legal and operational matters and ways to strengthen club leadership. Learn more at nationalclub.org.
