The WTA’s latest rule change pushes prize money at Queen’s to rise 35% for its 2026 women’s event, aligning it closer to the men’s side. The tournament, a standalone WTA 250, will see payouts climb from the current $2.5 million to roughly $3.25 million, matching the ATP 500 minimum at the end of the season for the competitive field.

Queen’s, which opened on 8 June, already sold more than 90% of its women’s tickets, a testament to the growing fan interest. The event follows last year’s Tatjana Maria triumph, the first title at Queen’s since 1973, and sets the stage for a strong build‑up to Wimbledon as the grass‑court season ramps up.

Meanwhile, the WTA 250 in Eastbourne will see its prize pool rise 28% to $499,000 (£373,000), a move that mirrors the broader push for parity. With the United Kingdom hosting both events, the increased money will benefit rising stars and veterans alike, tightening the competitive gap ahead of the Grand Slam in the summer calendar.

The increase at Queen’s reflects the WTA’s long‑term goal of equal prize money at major combined events by 2027, with standalone tournaments following by 2033. As players prepare for the summer swing, higher earnings will help cover travel and coaching costs, allowing more focus on performance and potentially reshaping rankings for the season progresses.