Businesses at Roland-Garros remain unfazed: lodgings, ticket offices, sponsors, and even night sessions continue to operate undeterred!
Grand Slam Tournament in Paris: A Financial Asset for the French Tennis Federation
Beginning Sunday, the Paris Grand Slam tournament will draw tens of thousands of tennis enthusiasts to Porte d'Auteuil. While the competition attracts spectators, it also serves as a lucrative source of income for the French Tennis Federation (FFT).
The Paris Grand Slam aimed for 650,000 visitors during its three-week run last year, with the opening week fostering growth. The 2024 tournament targeted €338 million in revenue, accounting for an average of three-quarters of the FFT's total budget, which stood at €459 million.
According to FFT Director-General Stéphane Morel, TV rights account for 38% of the tournament's revenue, while partners and ticketing account for around 20% and 17%, respectively. Hospitality contributes roughly 17% to the total.
For the 2025 edition, the trend remains the same, with the tournament still battling the image of empty stands, particularly during morning and early afternoon sessions. Perrier, despite recent quality concerns, is among the 22 tournament partners that animate the event's backstage.
"Hospitalities," a term used in the industry, now amount to 20% of the tournament's turnover, having grown by nearly 50% since the introduction of night sessions in 2021. These expensive packages draw brands, sponsors, and passionate fans who opt for close-up experiences. However, securing tickets for regular fans has become increasingly challenging due to the ongoing sale process.
In an unusual move this year, the FFT required that for each tennis ticket purchased, four tickets for the subsequent padel tournament must be added and paid for, sparking criticism from disappointed fans. Evening sessions, showcasing prestigious matches on Amazon Prime, are inaccessible to day ticket holders.
The 2025 tournament will distribute a total prize money of €56.35 million, an increase of nearly €3 million from 2024. The eventual champion, regardless of gender, will receive a €2.55 million check. Both winners and competitors benefit from the tournament's financial success.
The FFT's overall budget, while not always publicly detailed, typically falls within the range of €300–€400 million. The Roland-Garros tournament is the federation's primary income generator, though it represents only one aspect of their broader financial picture, which also includes various tournaments, membership fees, government subsidies, and additional sponsorships.
- The Paris Grand Slam tournament, being a lucrative source of income for the French Tennis Federation (FFT), now derives 20% of its turnover from 'hospitalities', a significant increase since the introduction of night sessions.
- In an attempt to increase revenues, the FFT has implemented a policy where for each tennis ticket purchased, four tickets for the subsequent padel tournament must be added and paid for, generating funds from both events.
- Beyond the Paris Grand Slam, the FFT's overall budget, which typically falls within the range of €300–€400 million, is bolstered by various business ventures, including multiple tournaments, membership fees, government subsidies, and personal-finance partnerships, with tennis serving as a key asset in their broader financial picture.
