Roland Garros has reportedly made a suggestion to the gamers to incorporate income sharing in its prize cash choices. It may change the calculus of negotiations forward of the US Open.
The struggle between the gamers and the Grand Slams over prize cash continues.
Immediately it was introduced that Roland Garros has grow to be the primary of the 4 majors to supply gamers a share of the match’s income. In response to The Guardian, the French Open made the proposal to participant consultant Larry Scott throughout conferences at Wimbledon.
The provide stands in distinction to Wimbledon’s place. Throughout the Championships, match officers argued that utilizing income as the idea for prize cash made little sense given the All England Membership’s not-for-profit construction. Wimbledon reinvests 90 % of its match income into the LTA to fund tennis infrastructure and grassroots growth.
Which will make sense in Britain, however what does it do for the game as a complete—or for gamers exterior the Grand Slam nations who’re in search of extra alternatives to earn a residing from the game?
Wimbledon additionally argued {that a} revenue-sharing mannequin would fail to account for the numerous capital investments required because the match continues to develop its grounds and enhance the fan expertise.
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Roland Garros’ willingness to share income may make it a lot tougher for the opposite three Grand Slams to proceed resisting the thought.
The gamers are in search of an instantaneous 16 % share of match revenues, with that determine rising to 22 % by 2030.
The US Open will now start to really feel the strain, with the ultimate main of the yr on the horizon and new USTA CEO Craig Tiley coming into his first week on the helm. The USTA is keen to proceed rising Fan Week, highlighted by what it hopes shall be a star-studded blended doubles occasion. In the meantime, gamers have reportedly begun utilizing the blended doubles competitors as leverage, with a few of the sport’s largest names threatening to skip the occasion if their calls for are usually not met.
If the USTA matches the 20 % prize cash improve it launched in 2025, complete prize cash would surpass $100 million for the primary time. However will that be sufficient to fulfill the gamers?
Some estimates challenge US Open income may climb as excessive as $700 million, although $600 million seems to be a extra sensible determine contemplating the match reported $559.7 million in income final yr.
If revenues attain $600 million, a $100 million prize fund would symbolize roughly 16.7 %—virtually precisely what the gamers are in search of within the brief time period.
Prize cash, nevertheless, is barely a part of the dialogue. The gamers are additionally pushing for improved pension advantages, expanded well being care, and a higher voice within the governance of the Grand Slams by means of the creation of a Grand Slam Participant Council.
Craig Tiley, together with USTA chairman Brian Vahaly and US Open Event Director Eric Butorac, has loads on his plate—with simply 39 days remaining till the primary ball of qualifying is struck in Flushing Meadows on August 24.
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Keep tuned.
Chris Oddo. Chris Oddo is a contract sportswriter, podcaster, blogger and social media marker who’s a lead contributor to Tennisnow.com. He additionally writes for USOpen.org, Rolandgarros.com, BNPParibasOpen.com, TennisTV.com, WTAtennis.com and the official US Open program.
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