Tennis Tours Will Require Betting Sponsor Contributions
The ATP and WTA will mandate that tournaments with betting partners fund new player welfare programs starting in 2027.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Tennis
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Starting with the 2027 season, professional tennis tours will require betting sponsors to contribute a portion of their contract value to player welfare initiatives. These programs aim to address gambling risks and protect athletes from online abuse.
Why it matters
The mandate follows increasing pressure from journalists and fans concerned about the prevalence of betting sponsorships in professional tennis. By redirecting funds to welfare, the ATP and WTA seek to mitigate risks posed to players.
Tournaments featuring betting sponsors must contribute 10% of their contract value, while combined events are required to allocate 5%. These requirements will support programs focused on athlete health and safety.
The players
WTA
The Women Tennis Association is the principal organizing body for professional women tennis globally.
ATP
The Association of Tennis Professionals serves as the top organizing body for men professional tennis worldwide.
Kalshi
Kalshi is a financial betting platform that serves as a commercial partner for the US Open.
Betsson
Betsson is an international betting company that maintains partnerships with the Davis Cup and the Nordic Open.
Polymarket
Polymarket is a prediction market platform currently holding a commercial deal with the ATP Tour.
The details
The funds generated by these sponsorships will specifically support resources designed to address gambling issues and online abuse directed at players. The policy responds to the ongoing proliferation of betting partnerships, including deals between the ATP and Polymarket and the US Open and Kalshi.
Timeline
The new sponsorship regulations for the WTA and ATP take effect for the 2027 season.
Season Trajectory
These regulations formalize the relationship between betting entities and tennis tours, reflecting a broader shift in how professional sports manage commercial partnerships. This policy follows established integrity protocols like the Tennis Anti-Corruption Program, extending institutional oversight into the financial structure of tour sponsorships.
The new funding model aims to increase support for players who face potential abuse or gambling-related risks. These rules apply to major tournaments including the Miami Open and the Madrid Open, ensuring a consistent safety-funding standard across the tour schedule.
The takeaway
The move marks an effort to balance commercial revenue growth with increased responsibility toward athlete safety. Fans and stakeholders can expect future tournament contracts to include these specific welfare contribution clauses as a standard requirement.
Further reading
For more information on the current regulatory environment, visit the Tennis section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by EssentiallySports.
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