Australian Open Prize Money 2026: Players Consider Strike Action

Prize Money Dispute Rocks Australian Open 2026

The Australian Open is at the center of a growing controversy as top tennis players consider strike action over prize money disputes. The debate centers around the share of revenue players receive compared to the overall economic impact of the tournament.

Economist Highlights Prize Money Growth

AMP economist My Bui has shed light on the prize money trends at the Australian Open, revealing that the prize pool has grown by 8.7% annually over the past 25 years. In comparison, inflation averaged only 2.7% during the same period. This significant disparity has fueled the players' demands for a larger share of the tournament's revenue.

Prize Money vs. Inflation

The total prize money on offer at the 2001 Australian Open was $13.86 million. By 2011, this figure had risen to $25 million, and by 2019, it had reached $62.5 million. In 2026, the prize pool has surged to $111.5 million, marking a 16% increase from the previous year.

Revenue Share Concerns

While the prize money has increased substantially, players argue that their share of the revenue is disproportionately low. The Australian Open generated approximately $550 million in revenue last year, with prize money accounting for only 15.5% of that total. In comparison, other major sporting events typically allocate about 16% of revenue to participants.

Players Consider Strike Action

The agents of the top 10 men’s and women’s players met over the weekend to discuss escalating industrial action. Their goal is to secure a larger share of the tournament's revenue, reflecting their significant contribution to the event's success.

Australian Open CEO Responds

Australian Open CEO Craig Tiley acknowledged the meetings but emphasized the substantial increases in prize money over the past few years. He noted that since 2020, prize money has increased by 77%, a figure he believes is unmatched in many industries.

Economic Impact and Player Contributions

Economist My Bui pointed out that the Australian Open has a significant economic impact on Victoria, contributing $3.46 billion to the state over the past decade and $565.8 million last year. Players argue that their contributions to this economic activity warrant a larger share of the revenue.

Player Perspectives

United States women’s player Coco Gauff has hinted at the possibility of players putting pressure on the grand slams if they continue to withhold larger revenue shares. The players' stance is that they should be considered partners or shareholders rather than mere employees, given their pivotal role in the tournament's success.

Future of the Australian Open

The ongoing dispute raises questions about the future of the Australian Open and the relationship between players and tournament organizers. As the deadline for the 2026 tournament approaches, both sides will need to find common ground to ensure the event's continued success.

Call for Negotiation

With the economic data and player perspectives in mind, there is a growing call for negotiation between players and Tennis Australia. Finding a fair and sustainable solution will be crucial for maintaining the integrity and popularity of the Australian Open in the years to come.