ATP eyes $350 million player compensation, welfare boost by 2028

BENGALURU, Oct 15 : The ATP outlined plans on Thursday to substantially boost its bonus pool and reshape its rankings and calendar from 2028 under a package projected to lift player compensation to $350 million while seeking to ease growing concerns over player workload.

The men's and women's tours have faced mounting criticism over their demanding 11-month seasons, while players have pushed for a greater share of revenue and better welfare benefits amid wider concerns about the demands and costs of competing.

Under proposals presented by ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi, the men's tour's bonus pool would rise from $21.5 million to $50 million, with another $25 million for year-end top-250 players and $30 million annually for pensions covering 300 players.

"Tennis is in a strong position today," Gaudenzi wrote in an open letter released on Thursday.

"Our events continue to grow, fans are engaging with the sport in more ways than ever and player earnings have reached record levels. To stay strong, the sport has to keep evolving.

"We have a responsibility to strengthen competition, better align incentives and extend support to more players, helping them to address the costs of competing on the tour."

CLEARER STRUCTURE FOR TOUR

Subject to further consultation and approval, the ATP's central player compensation would exceed $100 million from 2028, with prize money and profit-sharing taking total player compensation to a projected $350 million before any Grand Slam prize money is taken into account.

The ATP also plans to give results at its biggest events greater rankings weight, reducing the incentive for players to chase points elsewhere after poor performances, while creating dedicated tournament-category weeks for a clearer