$2.04 billion. That’s what ESPN put on the table in 2024 to secure every US Open match through 2037, a deal worth $170 million per year. This windfall is the engine behind the US Open’s split schedule, and the growing epidemic of matches stretching deep into the night.
Night sessions, now a staple at three of the four Grand Slams, have become both a cash cow and a logistical headache. At Flushing Meadows, the formula is straightforward: two matches, one men’s and one women’s, anchor the prime time slot starting at 7pm. Organizers aren’t just catering to fans’ convenience. By splitting the day, they sell the same seat twice, once for the day, once for the night, with evening tickets fetching a premium.
It’s a business model that works. Night matches showcase the biggest stars and attract crowds who can’t make it during the workday, driving up both demand and prices. But the financial success comes at a cost to the players.
Night Sessions: Revenue Growth vs. Player Fatigue
Here’s how the Grand Slams stack up when it comes to split schedules and late-night finishes:
| Grand Slam | Split Schedule | Night Session Ticket Model | US TV Rights Value | Notable Scheduling Issue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Open | Yes | Yes | Not stated | Late finishes |
| Roland Garros | Yes | Yes | Not stated | Extended night matches |
| US Open | Yes | Yes | $2.04bn (to 2037) | Frequent matches after 12am |
| Wimbledon | No | No | Not stated | No late-night matches |
The 2024 US Open first-round clash between Venus Williams and Sofia Kenin put the issue in the spotlight. Slotted for Sunday night prime time on Arthur Ashe Stadium, the match didn’t begin until just after midnight. Kenin wrapped up her straight-sets win a little after 2am.
Williams didn’t mince words. She called the scheduling “not ideal” and said it “wasn’t great” for either player’s conditioning. At 46, Williams has seen her share of late nights, but she’s far from alone in her frustration. Her loss marked a 15th consecutive singles defeat, but the real story is the chorus of players, past and present, raising alarms about the toll of these marathon nights.
Taylor Fritz, the American world number 10, spelled out the physical consequences. After a 2am finish, he said there’s “no chance” he can sleep before 5 or 6am. Recovery time vanishes, and performance in the next round can suffer.
Tournament organizers, meanwhile, have three powerful incentives to keep the night sessions rolling:
1. Double the ticket revenue by selling seats for both day and night.
2. Charge more for night matches, which feature the biggest names.
3. Boost TV rights value, as networks pay for exclusive prime time slots.
But the numbers tell a story of their own. Marquee matches are ending in the early hours, raising questions about fairness and player safety.
Williams’ post-match remarks highlight a growing rift between the sport’s commercial drive and its competitive integrity. As long as billion-dollar TV contracts and split-session ticketing dictate the schedule, players’ concerns risk being lost in the shuffle.
The current broadcast deal locks in the US Open’s late-night formula until 2037.
