Overview
- The U.S. Open announced Thursday that total player compensation for 2026 will be $108 million, a 20% increase from last year and a 44% rise since 2024.
- The package includes a $2 million initial Player Support Program split equally between men’s and women’s players, $5 million in added stipends, $5.5 million for each singles champion and $140,000 for first-round singles losers.
- All four Grand Slams jointly announced a new Grand Slam Player Council to give players a formal seat on on‑court and in‑tournament matters and to consult on programs such as the U.S. Open support fund.
- Organizers and player leaders say the announcements have largely quelled immediate protest plans in New York but key technical talks remain unresolved over how prize pools will be tied to operating revenue and how to reach the players’ 22% revenue‑share target.
- The dispute traces to player protests earlier this year at Roland‑Garros and Wimbledon and could still shape long‑term payouts because Grand Slam organizers argue much revenue is reinvested in national development, stadium projects and tournament operations.