Queen’s & Eastbourne: Equal Prize Money by 2029 | LTA Pledge
The LTA is making a significant move, vowing to equalize prize money for women’s tennis by 2029, reflecting a broader commitment to the sport’s growth. This bold initiative comes as women’s tournaments experience soaring ticket sales,indicating a burgeoning interest in the game. While the Queen’s Club ATP event is sold out, the LTA is navigating financial constraints while aiming for equality. Eastbourne showcases the current disparity, with the women’s prize money at $389,000, significantly less than the men’s. This proactive step, announced via News Directory 3, aligns with the WTA‘s timeline, showcasing the LTA’s dedication to leading change, and pushing for greater visibility for the sport. Discover what’s next for women’s tennis in the UK.
LTA Invests in Women’s Tennis Growth, Aims for Equal Prize Money
updated june 5, 2025
The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) is increasing its investment in women’s tennis, pledging to equalize prize money by 2029. This commitment arrives as ticket sales for women’s tournaments are on the rise, signaling growing interest in the sport.
While the ATP event at Queen’s Club is already sold out, women’s tournament ticket sales have surpassed 80%. Despite this surge, ticket prices for the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) week remain lower than the long-established men’s event.
The LTA faces a balancing act,as funds allocated to prize money cannot be used for grassroots tennis progress. the association reported a £4 million loss from summer events last year.
The WTA’s timeline mandates equal prize money at major combined events by 2027, with standalone events, like the Queen’s week, having until 2033. The LTA’s 2029 target precedes the WTA’s deadline by four years.
The Eastbourne tournament, a combined 250 event featuring both men and women before Wimbledon, highlights the current disparity.The women’s prize money totals $389,000 (£286,650), the highest for a tournament of its size this year. The men will share 756,875 euros (£637,000).
“The LTA is committed to growing women’s tennis, both at professional and grass-roots level and this move is an important part of that commitment,” said LTA chief executive Scott Lloyd.
“This year fans will be able to enjoy both men’s and women’s tennis on the biggest stages that we can offer.”
“We want to develop the tournaments so that the women’s events deliver a path to profitability and greater visibility for the sport,” Lloyd added.
What’s next
The LTA aims to further develop women’s tournaments, focusing on profitability and increased visibility to solidify the long-term growth of women’s tennis in the United Kingdom.