The United States Tennis Association (USTA) has unveiled a record-breaking financial package for this year’s US Open in Flushing, New York, responding to growing calls from athletes for improved compensation and support.
Alongside the record payout, the USTA announced new player support initiatives and the formation of a Grand Slam Player Advisory Council. However, the organization remains hesitant to adopt a fixed revenue-sharing model advocated by many top competitors.
USTA CEO Craig Tiley, who recently assumed the role, explained on Saturday that tournament compensation is not tied to a specific percentage of event revenue.
“We don’t use that number as a form of calculating how we compensate, because it can be fairly arbitrary from one event to another,” Tiley said, per Front Office Sports. “I believe the tours use profit, so we look at it very differently. We say, what’s a fair share that the players need to be compensated on, and what can we do, because even outside of just the compensation package, what other things can we do to help support the players, not just during the event but also year-round.”
Total player compensation for the tournament has jumped 20% to $108 million, up from $90 million in 2025 and $75 million in 2024. Singles champions in both the men’s and women’s draws will take home a Grand Slam record $5.5 million each—surpassing the $5 million awarded to 2025 champions Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka.
2026 Grand Slam Total Prize Purses
- US Open: $108 million
- Wimbledon: ~$87.5 million
- Australian Open: ~$79.3 million
- French Open: ~$71.7 million
Under the new structure, first-round main draw participants in singles will earn a minimum of $140,000. Quarterfinalists will secure $780,000, semifinalists $1.45 million, and runners-up $2.8 million.
While Grand Slam events historically distribute roughly 15% of total revenues to players, athletes are pushing to increase that share to 22% by 2030 to better support lower-ranked professionals.
Players are also advocating for expanded retirement benefits and enhanced welfare resources.
“You will see the U.S. Open continue to be a very player-friendly event,” Tiley added. “I think our desire to increase the amount that we put on the table was driven really within the organization, the sense that we need to give the players a fair share.”
World No. 3 Jessica Pegula, a WTA Players’ Council member, emphasized on Friday that revenue distribution will be a top priority for the newly formed Grand Slam Advisory Council.
“That’s something we’re still pushing for, and so I think hopefully with this council, that we’ll be able to continue those discussions because I know from our side, we still do believe that a revenue share is the best way, and now we’ll just have much more open communication,” Pegula noted.
Tiley confirmed that about 10 players have expressed interest in participating in the advisory body, highlighting the importance of direct engagement.
“We think, again, the voice of the players, we believe, is important,” Tiley stated. “Many of us have been spending a lot of time and energy individually talking to the players. Not just the last week — it’s been going on for years. The Slams having a close player relationship is critical to the success of the Slams and the success of the relationship that we have with the fans, as well.”