What’s new at Wimbledon 2026? All the changes explained
Record prize money, new video review technology and enhancements to electronic line calling headline a number of changes at Wimbledon 2026.
Wimbledon has always balanced tradition with innovation. The grass courts, all-white dress code and iconic Centre Court atmosphere remain unchanged, but the All England Club continues to modernise various aspects of The Championships.
For Wimbledon 2026, the most significant changes include a record-breaking prize money increase, the introduction of video reviews for players, new visual technology to support electronic line calling and changes at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
Here is a full breakdown of what’s new at Wimbledon 2026.
What’s new at Wimbledon 2026?
The biggest Wimbledon 2026 changes include:
| Change | New for 2026 |
|---|---|
| Prize money | Record £64.2 million fund |
| Video reviews | Introduced for chair umpire decisions |
| Electronic line calling | New scoreboard indicators |
| Qualifying | Increased spectator capacity |
| Tournament format | No changes |
Prize money changes
The biggest change for players is a substantial increase in prize money. The All England Club has announced a record total prize money fund of £64.2 million for Wimbledon 2026. The figure represents a 20 percent increase compared to 2025 and is the largest single-year increase in the tournament’s history.
The likes of Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka, who are among the favourites to win Wimbledon 2026, will be aiming to claim the biggest winner’s cheque in the tournament’s history.
The increase means the men’s and women’s singles champions will each receive £3.6 million, up 20 percent from last year. The runners-up will take home £1.8 million, an increase of 18 percent.
Early-round players have also benefited significantly. First-round losers in the singles draws will receive £80,000, representing a 21 percent increase compared with 2025.
The qualifying competition has also received a major boost. Total prize money for qualifying has risen to £6.2 million, up 25 percent on last year.
Meanwhile, prize money in the men’s, women’s and mixed doubles competitions has increased by 10 percent, while wheelchair and quad wheelchair events have received a 20 percent uplift.
The All England Club has stressed that, since the pandemic, it has invested nearly £1 billion across prize money, facilities, support for the grass-court season and wider backing for British and international tennis.
What are the new rules at Wimbledon 2026?
The most significant Wimbledon rule change for 2026 is the introduction of video reviews. Players will now be able to challenge certain decisions made by the chair umpire, bringing Wimbledon into line with systems already used at both the Australian Open and US Open.
Importantly, players will not be able to challenge the accuracy of electronic line-calling decisions. Those calls remain final.
Instead, reviews can be requested for situations such as:
- Whether a ball bounced twice before being returned
- Whether the ball touched a player’s racket or body
- Whether a player committed hindrance during a point
- Certain other factual decisions made by the chair umpire
Unlike the challenge system previously used for line calls, there will be no limit on the number of reviews a player can request.
The technology will be available on Centre Court and No. 1 Court throughout the tournament and on the other major show courts when they host singles matches.
The move follows similar systems introduced at the US Open in 2023 and the Australian Open in 2025.
How has Wimbledon technology changed?
Electronic line calling remains fully operational after replacing line judges in 2025, while the new video review system represents the latest step in Wimbledon’s technological evolution.
While electronic line calling improved accuracy, some spectators found it difficult to determine whether a ball had been called in or out based solely on the audio announcement.
To address that issue, Wimbledon will introduce visual indicators on scoreboards in 2026. The addition will provide spectators with an immediate visual cue alongside the automated audio call, making it easier to follow close decisions from around the grounds.
Combined with the new video review system, the changes are designed to increase transparency and improve understanding for players, officials and spectators.
Has the Wimbledon format changed in 2026?
No. The overall tournament structure remains unchanged.
Wimbledon 2026 will once again run over 14 days, with the Championships beginning on June 29 and concluding on July 12. Fans can find the full Wimbledon 2026 schedule and TV channels in our complete tournament guide.
The first week will feature the opening three rounds of the singles competitions, while the second week will include the fourth round, quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals.
The men’s and women’s singles events will continue to feature 128-player draws.
Has Wimbledon qualifying changed?
The main draw format remains unchanged, with qualifying continuing to determine the final places in the singles draws.
However, there is one notable change at the Wimbledon qualifying tournament in Roehampton. Daily spectator capacity has been increased from 3,500 to 4,000, allowing more fans to attend qualifying matches during the week before The Championships begin.
What has changed for fans at Wimbledon 2026?
The most noticeable fan-facing change comes through improvements to electronic line calling.
Last year, Wimbledon introduced electronic line calling across the Championships, ending the role played by line judges after 147 years.
The addition of visual scoreboard indicators in 2026 will make close calls easier to follow, particularly for spectators seated away from the show courts.
Broadcasters will also have access to the new video review system, allowing viewers at home to see disputed decisions in a similar way to the Australian Open and US Open.
FAQ
What are the new rules at Wimbledon 2026?
The biggest Wimbledon rule change is the introduction of video reviews, allowing players to challenge certain chair umpire decisions.
Does Wimbledon still use line judges?
No. Electronic line calling replaced line judges in 2025 and remains in place for Wimbledon 2026.
Has the Wimbledon format changed?
No. The tournament still runs across 14 days and the singles draws remain at 128 players.
Is prize money higher at Wimbledon 2026?
Yes. Wimbledon 2026 features a record prize money fund of £64.2 million, up 20 percent from 2025.
