US Open Unveils Record Player Pay but Resists Revenue Share

The 2026 US Open will provide record player compensation, but the tournament is hesitant to adopt a revenue share model for player earnings. USTA CEO Craig Tiley, who took over last month, explained that the US Open does not use revenue as a determinant for player pay, due to the perceived arbitrariness of the figure. Instead, the tournament focuses on establishing a "fair share" for players and exploring additional ways to support them beyond their compensation package.

Jessica Pegula, a world No. 3 player and member of the WTA Players' Council, argued that revenue share should be a primary discussion point for the newly formed Grand Slam Player Advisory Council. The WTA players are currently advocating for an increase in revenue share from the current 15% to 22% by 2030. Tiley, who hails from Tennis Australia, emphasized his commitment to player-focused decisions, vowing to maintain the US Open's player-friendly approach.

While the specifics of the new council remain unclear, initial interest is high, with around 10 players expressing their willingness to participate. Ticket prices have been a source of fan complaints, with the average price for entry to the tournament reaching $289 on the secondary market – a 14% increase from the same period last year. Tiley acknowledged the resale market as a significant challenge, but stressed the importance of making the tournament accessible to young fans.