Merger Talks Collapse Over Revenue Share
The creation of a joint commercial venture between the men's Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) and the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) has been put on hold indefinitely. Negotiations over a merger, which would have involved pooling commercial and media rights, broke down over the terms of the proposed revenue share. The WTA effectively walked away from a deal that had appeared close to finalization last year.
Sources indicate that WTA chair Valerie Camillo is unhappy with terms accepted by her predecessor, Steve Simon, who stepped down after a decade in charge at the end of last year. ATP chief executive Eno Polo stated in January that the tours were "quite close to reaching an agreement," but such optimism has proven unfounded.
Financial Disparity and Cost-Cutting Measures
As the smaller tour, with annual revenue of $142 million in 2024 compared to the ATP's $294 million, the WTA could have theoretically gained from pooling resources and sharing revenue in the long term. However, it was not prepared to accept the terms on offer. The WTA is understood to have already begun implementing cost-cutting measures, with fewer operational staff attending some events, including Wimbledon.
While prize money has not been affected so far, there is concern among players that tournament purses could be cut or frozen in future years. The WTA decided this month to exit its three-year contract to hold the finals series in Saudi Arabia one year early. Instead of being held in Riyadh, the 2026 WTA finals will take place in Indian Wells, California.
Doubles Programme Unaffected
Despite financial pressures, the WTA has no plans to follow the ATP in cutting its doubles programme. Under a proposal discussed with players last week, doubles draws at ATP 1000 events would be halved to 16 pairs, with only eight pairs competing at smaller tournaments. Their share of tournament prize money would be reduced from 20% to 10%. The ATP and WTA declined to comment.
