US Open announces record 108 million dollar prize fund for 2026 tournament
The US Open has revealed a record-breaking $108 million prize fund for the tournament, marking a 20 per cent increase with $5.5 million for singles champions.
The US Open has announced a record prize fund of $108 million for this year's tournament, the biggest in tennis history and a 20 per cent rise for the second consecutive year, according to Sky Sports.
The increase comes as the final Grand Slam of the season prepares to run from Sunday August 30 to Sunday September 13 at Flushing Meadows, with Sky Sports holding exclusive live broadcast rights in the UK across Sky Sports Tennis and Sky Sports+.
Media additions
The winners of the singles trophies will each receive $5.5m (approximately £4m), while first-round prize money has been ramped up to more than £100,000. The fund also includes a $2 million contribution to a new US Open player support programme.
"This is a significant first step in a multi-year investment in athletes as the US Open continues to be the best economic opportunity for players and the most valuable platform in tennis for players, fans and partners."
Craig Tiley, US Open chief executive, via Sky Sports
Tiley, who recently moved from Tennis Australia to take up the role of United States Tennis Association chief executive, added that the organisation is proud to deliver record-setting prize money and expanded player benefits while providing a new platform to work together with players.
Tournament organisers will hope they have done enough to stave off the type of player protests that took place at both the French Open and Wimbledon.
| Measure | US Open 2026 | French Open 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Total prize fund | $108m (approximately £80n) | €61.7m (£53.6m) |
| Year-on-year increase | 20 per cent | Nearly 10 per cent |
| Singles champion prize | $5.5m (approximately £4m) | €2.8m (£2.4m) |
| First-round prize money | More than £100,000 | €87,000 (£76,000) |
| Player support programme contribution | $2m (approximately £1.5m) | Not specified |
The French Open's total pot this year stands at €61.7m (£53.6m), a near-10 per cent increase on last year's pot of €56.4m (£43.3m), according to The Independent. Its singles champions will each receive €2.8m (£2.4m), while first-round losers will pocket €87,000 (£76,000).
Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka won last year's singles titles at Flushing Meadows. Sabalenka will look to become the first woman to win three straight US Open titles since Serena Williams from 2012-14.
There will still be a strong British contingent in qualifying. In men's singles qualifying, stars of the summer Jacob Fearnley, Jack Pinnington Jones, Toby Samuel and Billy Harris are set to feature. Meanwhile, on the women's side, Fran Jones - who recently won back-to-back WTA 125 titles - is a player to watch, with Dart, Katie Swan, Heather Watson and Jodie Burrage also in contention. Arthur Fery plays there for the first time in his career after his remarkable run to the Wimbledon semi-finals as a wild card which has seen his ranking soar.
No! The British No 1 will miss the Grand Slam because of the stress fracture in her right leg that she sustained during the grass-court season and forced her to pull out of Wimbledon. Cameron Norrie featured in the main draw at Flushing Meadows but made an early exit.
Key questions surrounding the US Open - watch live from August 30 to September 13 on Sky Sports Tennis. The day sessions begin at 4pm BST, while the evening sessions kick off at midnight. Sky Sports Tennis can be found on the linear channel number 407, while Sky Sports+ is number 410 for Sky Glass customers, 412 for Sky Q customers and 416 for customers in the Republic of Ireland. You can also head to the 'Watch' section on the Sky Sports app to access all Sky Sports+ live streams via the event centres.
Watch the ATP and WTA Tours and US Open, live on Sky Sports or stream with NOW and the Sky Sports app, giving Sky Sports customers access to over 50 per cent more live sport this year at no extra cost.
What to watch next
- The US Open main draw gets underway on Sunday August 30, with the women's singles final on Saturday September 12 and the men's singles final on Sunday September 13.
- Watch for whether Aryna Sabalenka can complete a third consecutive US Open women's singles title, a feat last achieved by Serena Williams from 2012-14.
- Monitor whether the increased prize fund and new player support programme ease tensions that sparked protests at the French Open and Wimbledon.
- Follow the British contingent in qualifying, including Jacob Fearnley, Jack Pinnington Jones, Toby Samuel, Billy Harris, Fran Jones, Dart, Katie Swan, Heather Watson and Jodie Burrage.
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