LTA announces new increases to WTA prize money at HSBC Championships & Lexus Eastbourne Open
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The LTA has today confirmed further increases in the prize money levels for the WTA 500 event at The HSBC Championships at the Queen’s Club and the WTA 250 event at the Lexus Eastbourne Open.
The total prize pot will be $1,915,000 for the HSBC Championships WTA 500 event and $499,000 for the Lexus Eastbourne Open WTA 250 event.
These increases take the prize money at the HSBC Championships to the second highest for a WTA 500 event anywhere in the world this year, whilst the Lexus Eastbourne Open will once again have the highest prize money for a WTA 250 event anywhere in the world.
These increases in prize money are part of the LTA’s ongoing commitment to equalising the men’s and women’s prize money at these events no later than 2029.
There are currently material differences between the prize money levels on the women’s WTA and men’s ATP tours. Whilst the minimum prize money levels are set by the tours themselves, the LTA, with the full support of the WTA, has chosen to significantly uplift the WTA prize money at Queen’s and Eastbourne and will continue to do so, to close the gap between WTA and ATP prize money at these events no later than 2029.
They also provide an important platform for the growth of women’s tennis in Britain, and we’re committed to championing women’s tennis all the way from the grassroots to professional level.
The introduction of a WTA 500 event at the HSBC Championships in 2025 was a significant investment in women’s tennis that has increased the visibility of the sport in Britain.
There were over 62,000 spectators on site during the 2025 event – one of the highest attendances for a standalone WTA event anywhere on the tour. Already over 90% of tickets for the 2026 event have been sold.
The 2025 event also saw a dramatic growth in both TV and digital audiences. Across the fortnight of the HSBC event the average audience (on the BBC and Tennis Channel) was 651,000 – which was up 51% on 2024. The share of TV audience also increased by over 60% year on year.
All the LTA’s grass court events feature men’s and women’s draws, and the LTA is committed to continuing to promote women’s professional tennis to the widest audience possible, as well as driving participation.
Tennis is one of the most popular sports amongst women in Britain, and more adult women play tennis in Britain than football, cricket, rugby union and rugby league put together.
The increases come at a time of continued global growth for the WTA, with rising attendance, record-breaking audiences, expanding commercial partnerships and increased investment across women’s professional tennis. The WTA continues to build momentum worldwide as one of the fastest-growing sports and entertainment properties globally.
Chris Pollard, LTA Managing Director of Commercial and Operations, said: “We’re proud to once again be increasing the prize money at the HSBC Championships and Lexus Eastbourne Open to new highs. Both events continue to grow their visibility and popularity, and are a fantastic chance for the public to watch some of the best female players in the world ahead of Wimbledon.
"They also provide an important platform for the growth of women’s tennis in Britain, and we’re committed to championing women’s tennis all the way from the grassroots to professional level.”
Valerie Camillo, WTA Chair, said: “The WTA’s founding principles are rooted in creating greater opportunity and equity for our athletes, and the LTA’s increased investment in prize money at the HSBC Championships and Lexus Eastbourne Open is a powerful reflection of that shared commitment.
“Continued investment in women’s tennis is critical to ensuring players have greater opportunities to compete, build sustainable careers and perform on the biggest stages in sport. It also reflects the growing momentum, value and global appeal of the women’s game, as we continue working together to drive progress for current and future generations of athletes.”
