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In what appears to be an enormous change in how prize money is shared on the ATP tour, the ATP announced "Baseline' which sets the equivalent of a "guaranteed minus wage" for any player ranked in the ATP top 250.
Here are the thresholds:
If a player's prize money earnings finishes below the guaranteed threshold, the ATP will step in to cover the shortfall):
$300,000 for the top 100
$150,000 for 101-175
$75,000 for 176-250
Now, that is a gross wage, and tour pros are basically gig workers, like Uber drivers, and have to pay expenses from T&E to coaching. Cynics will say $75k won't cover that. Others will note some players are stayed on the tour for decades at that earning level (which does not include sponsorships).
ATP link:
The second pillar focuses on Injury Protection, providing support to players who play fewer than nine ATP Tour and Challenger Tour events in a season due to injury. This progressive initiative includes thresholds set at $200,000 (Top 100), $100,000 (101-175) and $50,000 (176-250) in 2024. This is designed to provide financial security during difficult periods, allowing players to focus on recovery and make a successful return to the game.
The third pillar, Newcomer Investment, provides an additional boost to up-and-coming players as they push on in their professional tennis journey. These rising stars will have access to $200,000 of funding upon breaking into the Top 125 for the first time, paid in advance of the following season and offset against prize money earnings. This will facilitate players’ investment into their teams and resources as they break onto the ATP Tour.
"We’re beyond excited to introduce Baseline," said Andrea Gaudenzi, ATP Chairman. "This initiative is a complete shift in the way tennis approaches player finances. It represents our commitment to the players and their careers - fostering an environment where they can thrive and elevate the sport. It is also just the start of what we hope to achieve. Our ambition is to expand this game-changing initiative in the years to come.”
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Between 30 and 45 players are expected to receive financial support through Baseline each season, with eligibility determined based on a range of criteria. This includes a player’s ranking, career prize money earnings, and number of events played. The 2024-26 trial period will serve as an initial proof of concept, with potential to expand funding in future.
Here are the thresholds:
If a player's prize money earnings finishes below the guaranteed threshold, the ATP will step in to cover the shortfall):
$300,000 for the top 100
$150,000 for 101-175
$75,000 for 176-250
Now, that is a gross wage, and tour pros are basically gig workers, like Uber drivers, and have to pay expenses from T&E to coaching. Cynics will say $75k won't cover that. Others will note some players are stayed on the tour for decades at that earning level (which does not include sponsorships).
ATP link:
The second pillar focuses on Injury Protection, providing support to players who play fewer than nine ATP Tour and Challenger Tour events in a season due to injury. This progressive initiative includes thresholds set at $200,000 (Top 100), $100,000 (101-175) and $50,000 (176-250) in 2024. This is designed to provide financial security during difficult periods, allowing players to focus on recovery and make a successful return to the game.
The third pillar, Newcomer Investment, provides an additional boost to up-and-coming players as they push on in their professional tennis journey. These rising stars will have access to $200,000 of funding upon breaking into the Top 125 for the first time, paid in advance of the following season and offset against prize money earnings. This will facilitate players’ investment into their teams and resources as they break onto the ATP Tour.
"We’re beyond excited to introduce Baseline," said Andrea Gaudenzi, ATP Chairman. "This initiative is a complete shift in the way tennis approaches player finances. It represents our commitment to the players and their careers - fostering an environment where they can thrive and elevate the sport. It is also just the start of what we hope to achieve. Our ambition is to expand this game-changing initiative in the years to come.”
~~~~~~
Between 30 and 45 players are expected to receive financial support through Baseline each season, with eligibility determined based on a range of criteria. This includes a player’s ranking, career prize money earnings, and number of events played. The 2024-26 trial period will serve as an initial proof of concept, with potential to expand funding in future.
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