ATP eyes US$350mil player compensation, welfare boost by 2028

The ATP has unveiled plans to significantly increase player compensation and enhance welfare benefits by 2028, with total player earnings forecast to surpass US$350 million. This ambitious initiative, unveiled by ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi, aims to address concerns over the grueling 11-month season, player workload, and the physical demands of competing.

Under the proposed scheme, the men's tour's bonus pool will rise from US$21.5 million to US$50 million, with an additional US$25 million earmarked for year-end top-250 players and US$30 million annually for pensions covering 300 players. Combined with prize money and profit-sharing, the ATP anticipates total player compensation to exceed US$100 million from 2028, reaching the projected US$350 million mark before considering Grand Slam prize money.

The ATP also intends to give results from its major events greater weight in rankings, reducing the incentive for players to chase points elsewhere after poor performances. Furthermore, it plans to establish dedicated tournament-category weeks to provide a clearer structure. The ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Saudi Arabia will be part of this new structure, while ensuring players retain the freedom to compete across the full breadth of the tour.