Jess Pegula on the Business of Tennis | The Deal

Why It Matters

Pegula’s advocacy could accelerate equal‑pay reforms and a more sustainable calendar, reshaping tennis’s financial model and strengthening player influence.

Key Takeaways

• Equal prize money at Charleston sets new benchmark for WTA events
• Players lack a union, hindering collective bargaining power
• Pegula advocates unified ATP/WTA effort to raise tournament payouts
• Long season strains athletes; calls for condensed calendar emerge
• Family business experience informs Pegula’s player‑centric leadership approach

Summary

The Deal featured Jess Pegula, a top‑ranked player and emerging architect of tennis’s commercial landscape, discussing the sport’s evolving economics after her back‑to‑back Charleston Open victories. Pegula highlighted the historic decision by tournament owner Ben Navarro to match ATP‑500 prize money for the WTA‑500 event, marking a rare step toward equal pay beyond the Grand Slams and setting a precedent for other organizers. She underscored persistent revenue gaps: while Grand Slam purses are equal, many lower‑tier events still favor men, and the sport lacks a players’ union to negotiate collectively. Pegula noted that tennis’s individual‑contract model makes coordinated action difficult, yet she is pushing for joint ATP and WTA initiatives to boost payouts, especially at majors. Pegula cited support from legends like Billie Jean King and her own experience on the WTA player council, which gave her insight into both the athlete and business sides. She also pointed to the grueling 11‑month calendar, arguing that a condensed season could improve player health and marketability. If players achieve greater unity and secure higher prize money, tournament owners may need to invest more heavily to attract top talent, potentially reshaping the sport’s revenue distribution and enhancing its global appeal.

Original Description

Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly sit down with Jess Pegula to talk about lobbying for change in the business of professional tennis and what she’s learned from her parents.

--------

Like this video? Subscribe: http://www.youtube.com/Bloomberg?sub_confirmation=1

Get unlimited access to Bloomberg.com for just $1.99 your first month: https://www.bloomberg.com/subscriptions?in_source=YoutubeOriginals

Bloomberg Originals offers bold takes for curious minds on today’s biggest topics. Hosted by experts covering stories you haven’t seen and viewpoints you haven’t heard, you’ll discover cinematic, data-led shows that investigate the intersection of business and culture. Exploring every angle of climate change, technology, finance, sports and beyond, Bloomberg Originals is business as you’ve never seen it.

Subscribe for business news, but not as you've known it: exclusive interviews, fascinating profiles, data-driven analysis, and the latest in tech innovation from around the world.

Visit our partner channel Bloomberg News for global news and insight in an instant.