Wimbledon Prize Money Rise Set to Deliver Increased Tax Revenues for HMRC

The 2025 Wimbledon Championships are expected to provide a notable uplift in tax revenues for HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), as the tournament’s prize fund continues to grow significantly year on year.

The increase in taxable earnings from Wimbledon will represent a substantial source of income for the UK Exchequer.

Prize Money Doubles Over a Decade

The total prize money on offer at Wimbledon has doubled over the past 10 years, with 2025 seeing a further 7% increase on the previous year’s fund. This steady rise ensures that the tournament remains not only a premier sporting event, but also a significant source of UK tax revenue.

Robert Salter, Director said:

Wimbledon continues to be a lucrative source of taxes for HMRC, as not only are the tournament winnings taxable, but the Wimbledon Prize Fund has doubled over the last 10 years.

International Tax Rules in Focus

Despite many Wimbledon participants being non-UK tax residents, they are still liable to UK taxation on income earned in connection with the tournament. This includes core prize money, any UK-specific sponsorship or promotional appearances, and an appropriate proportion of image and marketing rights income attributable to their time in the UK.

While most of the players at Wimbledon will not be tax resident in the UK, the tax rules applying to international sports people mean that they will be fully taxable in the UK on their winnings. As well as any additional UK-specific fees which they might get while in the UK for appearing at specific events for sponsors and a share of their wider image and marketing fees.

Compliance Obligations for Players

Tournament organisers are required to withhold tax at a flat rate of 20% on players’ core prize money. However, given that the prize money for a first-round exit in the Men’s and Women’s Singles events is £66,000 – exceeding the threshold at which the 40% tax band applies – many players will face further UK tax liabilities.

Most players including those individuals with little or no image right income, will be obliged to submit an annual tax return and pay the additional tax which is due.

Major Events, Major Revenues

As with other high-profile sporting events such as The Open Championship, Wimbledon represents more than just a prestigious tournament – it also acts as a meaningful contributor to public finances.

Robert concluded:

Leading professional events such as Wimbledon, or the Open Championship in July, aren’t just a ‘win’ for sports fans, they are a win for the Revenue’s coffers too.

Would you like to know more?

If you would like to discuss any of the above, please speak to your usual Blick Rothenberg contact or Robert Salter using the form below.