LONDON — Wimbledon has announced a record prize pot of £53.5 million for the 2024 Championships, marking the largest total prize fund in the tournament's storied history. The men's and women's singles champions will each receive £3 million, continuing Wimbledon's tradition of equal pay across all events.
The All England Club revealed the figures on Tuesday, confirming a 12% increase from last year's £47 million prize pool. This year's total represents a near-doubling of the prize money since 2014 (£25 million), reflecting Wimbledon's commitment to rewarding players amid rising costs and inflation. "We are proud to offer the highest prize money in Wimbledon history while maintaining our values of fairness and equality," said All England Club Chairman Ian Hewitt.
Breakdown of Prize Money
The singles champions will take home £3 million each, while runners-up receive £1.6 million. Prize money is distributed across all rounds, with first-round losers earning £60,000—a 15% increase from 2023. Doubles and wheelchair events also saw significant bumps:
- Men's/Women's Doubles winners: £650,000 (up 12%)
- Wheelchair Singles champions: £75,000 (up 25%)
- Mixed Doubles winners: £130,000 (up 10%)
Equal Pay and Player Reactions
Wimbledon has maintained equal prize money for men and women since 2007, a policy praised by players. Defending women's champion Markéta Vondroušová welcomed the increase: "It’s fantastic to see Wimbledon leading the way. This sends a strong message about the value of women’s tennis." Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic noted, "Grand Slams are the pinnacle, and this reflects their importance."
Grass-Court Bonuses
The Championships also introduced a £1 million bonus pool for standout performers in grass-court warm-up events. Players earning points at tournaments like Queen’s Club or Eastbourne will receive additional payouts. "This rewards consistency on grass and strengthens the lead-up to Wimbledon," explained Tournament Director Jamie Baker.
Economic Context
The prize hike aligns with rising revenues from broadcasting and sponsorship deals. Wimbledon’s 2023 attendance reached 530,000, with global viewership exceeding 400 million. Analysts attribute the growth to:
- Expanded streaming partnerships (ESPN, BBC, etc.)
- Increased corporate hospitality demand
- Merchandise sales up 18% year-on-year
Despite the increases, debates continue over revenue sharing. The Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) argues early-round pay remains insufficient. "While top players benefit, many ranked outside the top 100 still struggle with travel and coaching costs," said PTPA Executive Director Ahmad Nassar.
Historical Perspective
Wimbledon’s first prize in 1968 was £2,000 for men and £750 for women. Adjusted for inflation, this year’s £3 million equals roughly £500,000 in 1968 terms. The tournament has since become the sport’s most lucrative Grand Slam, surpassing the US Open ($65 million in 2023) when accounting for currency conversion.
Notable past payouts include:
- 2000: £1 million threshold crossed (Pete Sampras/ Venus Williams)
- 2019: £2.35 million (Novak Djokovic/ Simona Halep)
- 2024: £3 million (new record)
Conclusion
The 2024 Championships, running from July 1–14, will showcase not only elite tennis but also the sport’s financial evolution. As Hewitt stated, "This prize fund reflects Wimbledon’s commitment to players and ensures our status as the world’s premier tennis event." With record rewards and heightened global interest, this year’s tournament promises to be unforgettable.
Player withdrawals due to injury remain a concern, but the increased pay may incentivize participation. The All England Club also confirmed that 2025 tickets will go on sale in September, with prices expected to rise by 5–8%.
For context, here’s how Wimbledon’s prize pot compares to other majors in 2024 (estimated):
- Australian Open: AUD $100 million (~£52 million)
- French Open: €53.5 million (~£46 million)
- US Open: $65 million (~£51 million)
As tennis’s economics evolve, Wimbledon’s latest move sets a benchmark. Whether this spurs further increases across the sport—or widens the gap between Slams and smaller tournaments—remains to be seen.