The US Open 2024 is a financial powerhouse, generating $500M+ in revenue from ticket sales, sponsorships, and broadcasting. This year’s prize pool hit a record $75M, with champions earning $3M each. Still, this is just 15% of the tournament’s revenue, a percentage way below to other sports, where it’s closer to 50%.
But while top players like Djokovic and Świątek take home millions, the reality for the majority of professional tennis players is bleak. Only 100-150 players on the ATP/WTA tours make a living solely from tennis.
The Financial Divide:
• Top 50-100: Earn $200K-$500K/year, but travel, coaching, and taxes eat up most of it.
• Rank 100-200: Earn $50K-$150K/year, often struggling to cover their $150K+ annual expenses.
• ITF/Challenger: These players earn very little, with some tournaments offering prize money as low as $3K for winners.
Comparison to Other Sports:
• NBA: Average salary is $9.6M.
• Soccer: Even lower-tier players earn six to seven figures.
• Golf: Players ranked well outside the top 100 can still make millions.
With tennis’s 1B+ global fanbase, it’s shocking that so few players can sustain a career. The current structure heavily favors the top players while leaving the rest behind.
What Needs to Change:
1. Redistribute Prize Money: Grand Slams should better distribute earnings to benefit more players.
2. Increase Lower-Tier Prize Pools: ITF and Challenger events need more funding to support up-and-coming talent.
3. Expand Sponsorships for Lower-Ranked Players: Brands and tours should work on creating sponsorship opportunities for mid-level players.
Conclusion: Tennis needs to evolve. It’s a global sport, but only the top 1% thrive financially. It’s time for the sport to support players across all levels, not just the elite.
