AELTC Questions Players' Revenue Figures
The All England Club (AELTC) is challenging the players' assertion that they receive 22% of tournament revenues in prize money from the ATP and WTA tours, as the long-running dispute over remuneration and welfare intensifies. Sally Bolton, the AELTC chief executive, confirmed on Monday that the club had requested financial information from the players after they called off a planned protest that would have limited media activity during the first week of Wimbledon.
The Guardian has learned that the AELTC is scrutinising whether the prize money provided by the tours matches the generosity claimed by the players. The initial request for data was reportedly made to Larry Scott, the players' main representative, during a meeting at the French Open last month, but has not yet been forwarded to the tours. A subsequent request during talks with player agents last weekend led to the cancellation of the planned protest.
Wimbledon's Stance on Prize Money Increases
AELTC sources insist they remain committed to sharing Wimbledon's growth with players, noting consistent prize money increases in recent years. However, they want to analyse the players' data to ensure alignment with their own figures. The players are seeking a 22% revenue allocation from all grand slams. For Wimbledon this year, they requested 16%, which would have resulted in a £71 million prize fund.
Instead, the AELTC agreed to a £64.2 million pot, a 20% increase from 2025 and representing 14.4% of tournament revenues. Debbie Jevans, the AELTC chair, further irritated players by stating that using revenue as the primary metric for prize money made “no sense,” prompting the players to announce that the protest, which began at the French Open, would continue at Wimbledon.
Players Stand Firm Amid Stalling Accusations
Despite the AELTC's questioning, players are standing by the 22% figure. The dispute is complicated by the confidentiality of contracts at individual ATP and WTA tournaments, with players lobbying for full disclosure. Although a truce was reached this week, lingering resentment remains among players, who perceive stalling tactics from Wimbledon and other grand slams. The dispute has persisted for 15 months with little progress, according to sources close to the players.
