Jessica Pegula rallying stars in revenue fight vs. Grand Slams
ROME — While discuss of a boycott from top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka and Jannik Sinner has grabbed headlines, it has been Jessica Pegula who has been organizing the highest tennis gamers in their protest with the Grand Slams over the share of match revenues dedicated to prize cash.
It comes naturally to Pegula, who grew up in a family of sports activities managers: Her dad and mom personal the NFL’s Buffalo Bills and the NHL’s Buffalo Sabers.
“I think it maybe does (come naturally) just because I feel like I’ve taken on a bit of a leadership role with it,” Pegula mentioned.
Already this yr, No. 5-ranked Pegula, the 2024 US Open runner-up, was named to steer a brand new 13-person panel to recommend modifications to the ladies’s tennis calendar, rankings factors guidelines and the necessities about competing in sure occasions.
Now she’s taking over the prize cash subject, too.
“I’m not afraid to go up to any type of player and go like, ‘Hey, are you interested in this or not?'” Pegula mentioned. “Some players, they don’t care. Sometimes they’re not worried about it. Sometimes they’re like, ‘Yeah, for sure, I’m 100% in.’ I’ve been reaching out to players on the men’s and women’s side.”
Sabalenka mentioned final week that gamers should consider a boycott for a much bigger slice of match revenue, whereas Sinner mentioned there is a lack of respect.
“At the end of the day, the players are the ones that have the big voices,” Pegula mentioned. “It’s been nice to see Aryna and Jannik kind of step out. I know a lot of other players feel the same way. But to have the two No. 1s very outspoken about it, that’s kind of what it takes to get them to listen.”
In the NFL and NHL, athletes take residence about 50% of the revenues. At most tennis occasions, the quantity is not even half of that. The upcoming French Open is allegedly devoting underneath 14.9% to the gamers — down from 15.5% in 2024, in keeping with a gamers’ protest assertion issued final week.
Roland Garros organizers introduced final month they had been increasing overall prize money by about 10% for an total pot of $72.1 million. The gamers, nevertheless, mentioned the underlying figures tell a very different story.
“It’s crazy. It’s an insane difference,” Pegula mentioned when requested in regards to the distinction in revenue sharing between tennis and the NFL. “Obviously they’re different sports. They’re run differently. But tennis has been a very old-school sport. I think it’s one of the things that needs to change. Sometimes change is good. Sometimes that means fighting for things.”
The similar group of gamers despatched a letter a yr in the past to the heads of the 4 Grand Slams in search of extra prize cash and a better say in decision-making. Wimbledon elevated its 2025 complete pot by 7%, the US Open by 20% and the Australian Open this previous January by 16%.
Still, the gamers say the Grand Slams do not match the 22% charge at common ATP and WTA Tour occasions.
“The slams have kind of just gotten away with paying not that much because we’re a very individual sport,” Pegula mentioned. “It’s hard to get players to come together. We’re not on a salary where football players or basketball players can afford not to play.”
Organizers on the French Open, which begins in lower than two weeks, haven’t responded to requests for remark. Wimbledon is because of announce its prize cash subsequent month, and Pegula mentioned the gamers haven’t had a response from the All England Club.
One of the massive points affecting tennis governance is that there are seven organizing our bodies: The 4 Grand Slams, the ATP, the WTA and the International Tennis Federation.
“That’s what makes it so hard, is that our sport is super fragmented. Hard to get everybody on the same page,” Pegula mentioned. “That’s why it’s been huge to actually have the top 10 men and women really come together. I’m hoping that will get the Slams’ attention.”
