ATP eyes USD 350 million player compensation, welfare boost by 2028

ATP central player compensation is set to top USD 100 million (USD 50 million bonus pool, USD 30 million annual pensions), with bigger events carrying more ranking weight and dedicated category weeks for better season planning.

Updated : Oct 15, 2026 17:56 IST , BENGALURU - 4 MINS READ

ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi has proposed raising the men’s tour bonus pool to USD 50 million. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

On Thursday, the ATP announced plans, to take effect from 2028, to significantly increase its bonus pool and overhaul the rankings and calendar. The package is projected to raise player compensation to USD 350 million and aims to address growing concerns about player workload.

Both the men’s and women’s tours have come under growing criticism for their punishing 11-month seasons. Players, meanwhile, have been pressing for a larger share of revenue and better welfare benefits, amid broader concerns about the physical demands and financial costs of competing.

ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi has proposed raising the men’s tour bonus pool from USD 21.5 million to USD 50 million. The plan also sets aside a further USD 25 million for players finishing the year inside the top 250, along with USD 30 million a year in pensions covering 300 players.

“Tennis is in a strong ‌position today,” Gaudenzi wrote in an open letter released on Thursday.

“Our events continue to grow, fans ‌are ⁠engaging with the sport in more ways than ever and player earnings have reached record ⁠levels. To stay strong, the sport has to keep evolving.

“We have a responsibility to strengthen competition, better align incentives and extend support to more players, helping them to address the costs of competing on the tour.”

CLEARER STRUCTURE FOR TOUR

Subject to further consultation and ​approval, the ATP’s central player compensation would ‌exceed $100 million from 2028, with prize money and profit-sharing taking total player compensation to a projected $350 million before any Grand Slam prize money is taken into account

The ATP also intends to give results at its biggest events more ranking weight, so players have less reason to chase points at other tournaments after a poor showing. It also plans dedicated weeks for each tournament category to give the calendar a clearer structure.

The new ATP Masters 1000 ​tournament in Saudi Arabia will form part of that structure, with the ATP adding that players remained free to compete across the full breadth of the tour.

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Players have become ⁠increasingly vocal about the physical toll of the season, arguing that the relentless schedule leaves too little time for recovery and increases the risk of fatigue and injury.

The rankings system has also drawn criticism. Some players say the chase for points pushes them to keep playing even non mandatory events, which makes it hard to take proper breaks during the season.

The ATP said it will review the long term structure of its competition formats, including possible changes to doubles draws. Any prize money freed up is expected to go towards singles qualifying and early round payouts.

Earlier this year, doubles players reacted angrily to reports that the tour planned to shrink tournament draws. The ATP responded that it was looking for a more sustainable long term model for the format.

MORE COHERENT FOR ALL

Gaudenzi, 53, who in February ​was re-elected for a third term through 2028, said the ATP’s proposals would help players plan their seasons better, reward performances at the biggest events and broaden support.

The Italian ⁠added that the ATP would continue developing the proposals with its player and tournament advisory councils and board, aiming ⁠to bring a final package forward at its year end meetings in Turin.

“OneVision has already helped strengthen our tour and the sport of tennis,” Gaudenzi said of his organisation’s long term strategic plan.

“The ‌next phase is an opportunity to make the season more coherent for players and fans and to ensure that the growth of the sport creates opportunity across the tour.

“Our immediate focus is the ​ATP Tour, but the ambition reaches further: ensuring tennis wins the competition for the next generation of fans.”