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Wimbledon Boosts Prize Money 20%, Players Protest Media Limits

6/28/2026

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Summary

Wimbledon Boosts Prize

Wimbledon raised its prize fund by 20% to £64.2 million for 2026, the largest increase ever.
Singles champions will receive £3.6 million and first-round losers £80,000, up from £3 million and £66,000 in 2025.
Players, led by former WTA chief Larry Scott, limited Wimbledon media to 15 minutes per match to protest prize-money distribution.
The All England Club offered a player council and warned of fines up to £50,000 for missed press conferences.

Summary

Wimbledon Revenue Dispute

The All England Club said it was surprised and disappointed by the protest, arguing the revenue-share figure ignores its investment in UK tennis.
Jessica Pegula warned the protest could spread to the U.S. Open in August, suggesting a broader Grand Slam push.
Novak Djokovic said he has no views on the protest and will stay neutral.
Wimbledon’s projected player-revenue share this year is 14.4 %, down from 14.9 % a decade ago.

History

Historical Context

In 1973 the International Lawn Tennis Federation upheld a one-month ban on Yugoslav star Nikola Pilic, prompting the newly formed ATP to withdraw 81 leading men—including champion Stan Smith and 13 of the 16 seeds—from Wimbledon. Today Larry Scott’s protest, backed by Novak Djokovic and Jessica Pegula, revives that 1973 fight over revenue sharing.

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Wimbledon Boosts Prize

Wimbledon raised its prize fund by 20% to £64.2 million for 2026, the largest increase ever.
Singles champions will receive £3.6 million and first-round losers £80,000, up from £3 million and £66,000 in 2025.
Players, led by former WTA chief Larry Scott, limited Wimbledon media to 15 minutes per match to protest prize-money distribution.
The All England Club offered a player council and warned of fines up to £50,000 for missed press conferences.

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