ATP Tour Unveils Baseline: Financial, Health, Investment Plan For Players
Tuesday, August 22, 2023 at 04:23PM By Barry Janoff
August 22, 2023: Just ahead of the 2023 U.S. Open Grand Slam, the ATP Tour has unveiled Baseline, calling it a “transformative financial security program for ATP players.”
Set to launch in 2024 as part of a three-year trial, the ATP Tour said Baseline is comprised of three key pillars:
• Guaranteed Base Earnings, which guarantees minimum income levels for the Top 250-ranked singles players each season.
• Injury Protection, providing support to players who play fewer than nine ATP Tour and Challenger Tour events in a season due to injury.
• Newcomer Investment, provides an additional boost to up-and-coming players as they push on in their professional tennis journey.
The ATP Tour said between 30-45 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.
"We’re beyond excited to introduce Baseline," Andrea Gaudenzi, ATP chairman, said via the organization. "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.”
Guaranteed Base Earnings will support players whose prize money earnings finish below the guaranteed threshold, with the ATP covering the shortfall.
For the 2024 season, these levels are $300,000 (Top 100), $150,000 (101-175) and $75,000 (176-250).
In 2023, ATP Tour and ATP Challenger Tour events will award a record $217.9 million. The total is a $37.5 million increase versus 2022, also an ATP year-over-year record.
The ATP said any increases in Grand Slam prize money would further add to the player compensation figures,
“Our players are world-class athletes and it’s our priority to ensure they’re compensated accordingly,” said Gaudenzi.
“Injury Protection is designed to provide financial security during difficult periods, allowing players to focus on recovery and make a successful return to the game.
The initiative includes thresholds set at $200,000 (Top 100), $100,000 (101-175) and $50,000 (176-250) in 2024.
"This assurance will empower players to plan their seasons with greater certainty, focus on their game and invest in their teams. This includes covering the expenses of coaches and personal physios, as well as travel,” according to the ATP Tour.
“Baseline represents our commitment to the players and their careers — fostering an environment where they can thrive and elevate the sport."
Newcomer Investment provides 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.
"Being a professional tennis player comes with incredible rewards, but it's also a challenging journey, especially for those starting their careers,” Grigor Dimitrov, ATP Player Advisory council member, said via the group.
“Baseline is a game-changer. Knowing that we have a safety net through the minimum guarantee and injury protection pillars gives us peace of mind, allowing us to focus on our game and strive for success. This truly shows the ATP's commitment to the players and the future of our sport."