US Open 2026 Prize Money: Women’s Champion to Earn Record $5.5 Million

The 2026 US Open will offer a record $108 million in total player compensation, with the women’s singles champion set to receive $5.5 million.

The package represents a 20% increase from the $90 million offered in 2025 and is the largest announced player-compensation total in tennis history.

Players at the beginning of the tournament will also receive significant increases. A woman competing in the first round of the singles main draw will earn $140,000, regardless of whether she advances.

The increases arrive amid continuing discussions between leading players and the Grand Slam tournaments over prize money, player welfare and representation.

Record $5.5 Million for the Women’s Champion

The woman who lifts the US Open trophy in September will earn $5.5 million, up from the $5 million awarded to 2025 champion Aryna Sabalenka.

That represents a 10% increase and establishes a new record champion’s payment at the tournament.

The women’s singles runner-up will receive $2.8 million, an increase from $2.5 million in 2025.

The US Open has maintained equal prize money for its women’s and men’s champions since 1973. Both singles champions will again receive the same amount in 2026.

According to the official US Open announcement, the total player-compensation package has grown by 44% since 2024.

First-Round Payment Rises to $140,000

Although the champion’s record payment generates the biggest headline, the increase at the beginning of the tournament may have a broader effect on the women’s field.

Every player entering the women’s singles main draw is guaranteed at least $140,000. That is approximately 27% more than the $110,000 first-round payment offered in 2025.

This matters particularly to qualifiers, wild cards and lower-ranked players who do not have the endorsement income or financial security enjoyed by the leading names in the sport.

Professional players must cover coaching, travel, accommodation, physical preparation and other expenses throughout the season. A substantial first-round payment can help finance future tournaments even when a player’s US Open campaign ends in her opening match.

Players competing in the first round of qualifying will receive at least $32,000, up from $27,500 in 2025.

How the 2026 Payments Compare With 2025

Category	2025	2026	Increase
Total player compensation	$90 million	$108 million	20%
Singles champion	$5 million	$5.5 million	10%
Singles runner-up	$2.5 million	$2.8 million	12%
Main-draw first round	$110,000	$140,000	Approximately 27%
Qualifying first round	$27,500	$32,000	Approximately 16%

The comparison shows that the largest percentage increase among the highlighted singles payments has been directed toward players at the opening stage of the main draw.

The US Open also continues to invest across singles, doubles, mixed doubles, qualifying and wheelchair competition. Doubles payments are awarded per team rather than individually.

New Player Support Program Introduced

The USTA has also committed an initial $2 million to a new Player Support Program.

The program will benefit women and men equally and is intended to complement the pension and support arrangements already available to professional players.

Its development will involve input from a newly established Grand Slam Player Council, giving players a formal channel through which to discuss compensation, welfare and other tournament issues.

The announcement follows sustained pressure from leading players seeking a larger share of Grand Slam revenue and a stronger voice in decisions affecting their careers.

Aryna Sabalenka was among the prominent players involved in those discussions. Players have welcomed the latest increases as progress, although negotiations over a more formal revenue-sharing structure are expected to continue.

What the Increase Means for the Women’s Field

For the eventual champion, the difference between the 2025 and 2026 awards is another $500,000.

For most of the field, however, the increased early-round compensation may be more consequential.

Only one woman can collect the champion’s payment, while dozens of players—including qualifiers and first-time Grand Slam entrants—will benefit from the higher minimum payment.

That gives the 2026 package two distinct dimensions: a record prize at the top of the women’s game and greater financial protection for players whose tournaments end much earlier.

When Does the US Open Begin?

Women’s qualifying begins during US Open Fan Week on August 23, while the singles main draw starts on August 30.

The women’s singles final is scheduled for September 12 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York.

Aryna Sabalenka is expected to return as the two-time defending champion, with the winner of the 2026 tournament receiving the largest champion’s payment in US Open history.