2026 Wimbledon Prize Money: What You Need to Know

The All England Lawn Tennis Club announced a 20% boost to the tournament’s purse, pushing the total to $86.1 million for 2026. This marks the largest single‑year increase in Wimbledon’s history and follows a player‑driven push for higher revenue across the Grand Slams. Top stars such as Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek, who collected over $4 million each in 2025, will see their potential payouts rise accordingly.

Singles champions will now earn £3.6 million, roughly $4.8 million, up from the £3 million ($4.1 million) handed to Sinner and Swiatek last year. Doubles winners receive a 10% raise, bringing their share to about £760,000 (over $1 million). Mixed doubles winners also saw a 10% increase, now worth £148,000, or more than $198,000.

How Much Will Champions Earn?

The 20% jump in the overall purse filters down to higher payouts for all prize categories. First‑round singles players will take home £80,000, a 21% rise, while the qualifying competition pool grows to £6.2 million (over $8 million), up 25% from the previous year. Runners‑up in men’s and women’s singles will collect £1.8 million, about $2.4 million, an 18% increase over 2025.

The campaign that led to this boost began with a letter signed by top‑ranked players, including Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka, as well as 18 other pros. The signatories argued that Grand Slam prize money should reflect a fairer share of tournament revenues. Deborah Jevans, chair of the AELTC, said the club listened to players but noted the broader challenges of tennis’s calendar.

She highlighted the lack of an off‑season as a key concern that drives injuries and impacts player welfare. Players echoed this sentiment, with Olympic gold medalist Zheng Qinwen noting that higher payouts help those who rely on slam earnings to make a living.

Impact on the Rest of the Field

Wheelchair divisions also received a 20% increase, raising the singles prize to £82,000 (over $100,000). Doubles wheelchair teams now earn £36,000 (about $48,000). The broader boost means participants across every round see their compensation rise, easing financial strain for many lower‑ranked athletes.

Wheelchair Prizes Also Rise

The wheelchair prize increment matches the overall 20% growth, reflecting a commitment to parity across all competition categories. In 2025, wheelchair singles winners took home £68,000, a figure that will now double in real terms. This adjustment helps ensure that athletes with disabilities receive compensation that aligns with the tournament’s expanding budget.

Prize Money Through the Decades

Historical data shows how dramatically the purses have evolved. In 1968, the men’s champion earned £2,000 (about $2,700), while the women’s titleholder received just £750 (around $1,000). Equality in payouts arrived in 2007, ending a long‑standing gender gap. Over the past ten years, total prize money has more than doubled, driven by growing commercial interest and player advocacy.

How Wimbledon Stacks Up Against Other Slams

The U.S. Open leads the Grand Slam purse with $90 million in 2025, positioning Wimbledon as the second‑largest at $86.1 million. The Australian Open follows with an AUD 111.5 million ($75 million), while the French Open sits at $71 million. These comparisons illustrate how Wimbledon remains a top‑tier event financially, though still behind the U.S. Open.

For readers who want to explore the details further, the original article on People provides additional context on the negotiation process and the breakdown of all prize categories.