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At Strive, we specialise in arranging mortgages for professional tennis players — from emerging ATP and WTA competitors to established international stars and coaching professionals.
A tennis career brings unique financial challenges. Income can fluctuate depending on rankings, sponsorship deals, appearance fees, and prize money. Travel schedules, international earnings, and short-term contracts can make it harder for players to fit within traditional mortgage criteria. Our role at Strive is to simplify that process — connecting you with lenders who genuinely understand the professional sporting world and how tennis players earn.
How much can a Professional Tennis player borrow?
The amount you can borrow depends on your total earnings and how lenders assess your income. Sports-aware lenders often average your annual prize money, appearance fees, and sponsorship income over the past 12 to 24 months.
Example:
If your total tennis-related income averages £150,000 per year, a lender using a 5× multiple could offer around £750,000.
Some private banks or specialist lenders may go further — up to 5.5× or 6× your income — especially if you have stable endorsements or long-term contracts in place.
At Strive, we know which lenders offer the most flexibility and how to package your case to reflect the true value of your career, including international and off-court earnings.
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How much can a Professional Tennis player borrow?
The amount you can borrow depends on your total earnings and how lenders assess your income. Sports-aware lenders often average your annual prize money, appearance fees, and sponsorship income over the past 12 to 24 months.
Example:
If your total tennis-related income averages £150,000 per year, a lender using a 5× multiple could offer around £750,000.
Some private banks or specialist lenders may go further — up to 5.5× or 6× your income — especially if you have stable endorsements or long-term contracts in place.
At Strive, we know which lenders offer the most flexibility and how to package your case to reflect the true value of your career, including international and off-court earnings.
How is a Tennis player’s income assessed for a mortgage?
Professional tennis players often have multiple income streams — tournament winnings, sponsorships, appearance fees, coaching, or exhibition matches. Traditional lenders tend to view fluctuating income as risk, but we work with lenders who understand the dynamics of tennis and are willing to look beyond basic salary.
We help structure your case so that variable income such as prize money is presented as part of a consistent track record. Many lenders will average your earnings over recent seasons, or consider contractual sponsorship deals and coaching revenue where applicable.
Speak to an advisor today, to lock you in with the best deal.
How long do you need to have been playing professionally?
Each lender has its own policy, but most want to see consistent professional activity for at least 12 months. Some are more flexible if you have verifiable contracts, ranking history, or regular appearance fees.
If you’ve recently turned professional or transitioned from junior to senior competition, we can often leverage your earning potential, sponsorships, or governing body recognition to help strengthen your application.
At Strive, we’ve helped professional sportspersons at every career stage — from up-and-coming players to established international athletes.
What deposit do tennis players need?
Deposit requirements depend on the lender and size of the loan.
- Some players may qualify with as little as a 5% deposit, depending on income stability.
- For larger loans (typically above £750,000), lenders usually expect between 10% and 25%.
Sponsorship income, appearance fees, or coaching retainers may contribute to your deposit, provided there’s a clear paper trail. We’ll guide you through what’s acceptable and ensure every source of income is properly documented.
What mortgage rates can tennis players expect?
Rates depend on your loan-to-value ratio (LTV), income consistency, and the lender’s appetite for sports professionals.
- Larger deposits generally unlock lower rates.
- Rates often improve at standard 5% LTV intervals (95%, 90%, 85%, 80%).
- Mainstream rates are possible for simple income structures, while more complex or international cases may require specialist or private lenders.
When presented correctly, tennis professionals can access extremely competitive rates that reflect their financial stability and earning potential.
Mortgages for retired or transitioning tennis players
When you retire or transition from professional play into coaching, commentary, or business ventures, your eligibility depends on your new income streams — not just your playing history.
We regularly help retired tennis players restructure borrowing around their current income or assets. Some lenders continue to offer sports-friendly terms post-retirement, especially for clients with proven track records or ongoing commercial interests.
Interest-only and flexible mortgage options
Interest-only and hybrid mortgage structures are often popular among professional tennis players. They provide flexibility and lower monthly payments, especially during travel-heavy seasons or while awaiting sponsorship renewals.
- Interest-only mortgages typically require a 25% deposit.
- Hybrid options (part interest-only, part repayment) are available with smaller deposits.
Private banking and high-net-worth lending
For high-earning or well-established tennis professionals, private banking can unlock a range of bespoke mortgage solutions beyond what high-street lenders can offer.
If your annual income exceeds £300,000 or your assets exceed £3 million, private banks and high-net-worth mortgage specialists can tailor lending around your entire financial profile. They may consider:
- Prize money, sponsorships, or international earnings
- Complex business structures or image-rights companies
- Multi-currency income
- Larger loan sizes and interest-only terms
Private Banks also offer personalised service, dedicated relationship managers, and exclusive rates for clients with established wealth and brand partnerships.
Why choose Strive
At Strive, we’ve built long-standing relationships with lenders who understand professional sport. We deal with professional sport stars across all disciplines, giving us the expertise to present complex cases clearly and confidently.
Whether you’re climbing the ATP rankings, managing sponsorship commitments, or transitioning into coaching, our team will structure your mortgage to reflect your earnings, lifestyle, and long-term plans.
Speak to Strive today for expert, confidential mortgage advice tailored to professional tennis players.
The best banks for Tennis Player mortgages depend on various criteria, including your deposit, credit history, nationality, and the amount required. Options can range from high street banks to private banks, each offering different terms and conditions based on your specific situation.
Yes, while it’s possible to source a mortgage without a specialist, you have a much better chance of finding the right deal with a specialist Professional Tennis Player Broker. These brokers understand the unique financial situations of professional athletes and can navigate the complexities of footballer contracts and income, ensuring you secure the best possible terms for your mortgage.
Jamie Elvin
Jamie is an expert in all things mortgages, and our most experienced broker. Connect with Jamie and get started to see how Strive Mortgages can help you.
