Richard Pagliaro | Thursday, August 20, 2026
Photo credit: Mark Peterson/ United Cup Facebook
Conflict between star players and Grand Slams over revenue sharing has been a major story this season.
Now, the two sides will try collaboration to reach a revenue-sharing solution.
The four Grand Slam tournaments—Australian Open, Roland-Garros, The Championships, Wimbledon, and US Open—today announced the formation of a Grand Slam Player Advisory Council.
The initiative is designed to “serve as the forum for direct communication, feedback and collaboration between the Grand Slams and players,” the Grand Slam tournaments said in a shared statement.
The Council, which will launch following the 2026 US Open, will “further strengthen the partnership between the Grand Slams and the players, with a focus on player input into sporting matters at the four Grand Slam tournaments and advancing the shared goal of greater player support.”
The announcement of the Grand Slam Player Advisory Council comes the same day the USTA announced it will award a record $108 million in prize money at the 2026 US Open that includes a $5.5 million check for men’s and women’s singles champions.
Top players lauded the US Open prize money and Player Advisory Council announcements as vital first steps in their ultimate revenue-sharing goal.
“Leading ATP and WTA players today welcomed the US Open’s announcement of a 20% increase in prize money alongside a new financial commitment to player welfare,” players said in a statement. “These steps represent important progress in the ongoing conversations between players and the US Open over the past eighteen months.
“This is a substantial increase in prize money. While this is not yet tied to an agreed revenue-sharing formula, players remain committed to that principle and will continue to work with each of the Grand Slams toward that goal.”
After the All England Lawn Tennis Club announced a record prize money of £64.2 million, which is about $85.6 million for The Championships 2026 in June, players lauded the 20 percent prize money increase while calling for negotiation. The players called for the Grand Slams to commit to a “fair and transparent revenue sharing formula” going forward to bridge the gap between the four majors and the players.
Players say prize-money and revenue sharing is one of three primary issues they want to address with Slams.
- Players have proposed that Grand Slams “begin contributing directly to a player welfare fundcovering long-term health, pension, and maternity protections.”
- Players have proposed “a fair and transparent revenue-sharing formula, so that as Wimbledon(and the other Grand Slams) grows, players automatically share in that growth.”
- Players have proposed “a player council to give players a meaningful voice in decisions that affect them.”
Former US Open finalist Jessica Pegula and former semifinalist Ben Shelton both welcomed the formation of the new Council and the opportunity for more direct engagement with the Grand Slams.
“Having a seat at the table with the Grand Slams is something we have wanted for some time, so I’m really pleased to see this council come together,” Shelton said in a statement. “It gives us, as players, a real opportunity to have a voice, contribute to the conversation and help shape the tournaments beyond what happens on the court.”
Pegula, one of the top players who has long called for players to have a greater voice in Grand Slam matters, said she’s pleased by the new Council’s formation.
“The Grand Slams are the biggest events of the year and the events that the players prioritize and focus on throughout the season,” Pegula said. “Their impact on a player’s career cannot be overstated, and that is why it is so important that we have a voice in matters at these tournaments. The formation of this player council represents that, and I am pleased that the Grand Slams have put this forward.”
At a time when Grand Slams are enjoying their greatest financial success ever, major executives said it’s important to collaborate with players to grow the game.
Deborah Jevans, Chair of the All England Club, said forming the Player Council is a sign the Grand Slams are listening to players’ requests.
“We have listened to the players’ desire for a greater voice and this advisory council is an important step towards a stronger relationship between the Grand Slams and the players,” Jevans said. “We look forward to working together to elevate the player experience, further enhance the Grand Slam tournaments and ensure the sport continues to thrive.”
Brian Vahaly, USTA Chairman of the Board and President, said: “The Grand Slams and players share a commitment to making tennis stronger. This Council marks an important step in building an even closer relationship with players and creating a more consistent way for us to shape the future of the Grand Slams and their impact on our sport.”
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