Key facts
- The HSBC Championships' expansion to include a women's tournament has resulted in increased ticket sales and viewership.
- Ticket sales for the women's week surpassed 70,000 this year, with five days selling out completely.
- The event generated a total economic impact of £14.9 million for London.
- LTA revenue from events rose 24% in 2025, and commercial partner income increased by 37%.
- The women's prize money increased by 35% to £1.4 million.
The HSBC Championships at Queen's Club has seen significant success following its expansion to include a women's tournament, boosting business revenue and economic impact.
Last year, the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) introduced a women's week preceding the men's event, selling 62,000 tickets. This year, that number surpassed 70,000, with five of the seven days completely sold out. The tournament's appeal was further enhanced by the surprise comeback of Serena Williams in the doubles and strong performances from British players Emma Raducanu and Katie Boulter.
Raducanu's run to the final, her first match win since March, significantly boosted television viewership, with a peak audience of 1.9 million on BBC1 and an additional 434,000 watching online. This success validates the LTA's gamble in expanding the event, which included downgrading Eastbourne's status as the traditional British grass court warm-up for Wimbledon.
The financial returns have been substantial. LTA event revenue increased by 24% in 2025, and income from commercial partners like HSBC, Lexus, and Barclays rose by 37%. This growth is crucial for the LTA, a non-profit organization that reinvests its earnings into tennis and padel, as it aims to reduce its reliance on profits from Wimbledon to break even.
The expansion also supports the LTA's goal of equalizing men's and women's prize money at Queen's by 2029. This year's women's purse increased by 35% to £1.4 million, positioning it among the highest for WTA 500 events, while the men's purse stands at £2.2 million.
Beyond the LTA, the increased activity has translated into higher returns for local businesses. Last year's women's event generated £4.3 million in revenues for London-based firms, contributing to a total economic impact of £6.3 million. Combined with the men's week, the total economic impact reached £14.9 million. Tina McKenzie of the Federation of Small Businesses highlighted how such events attract domestic and international audiences, increasing demand for hotels, taxis, and local attractions, offering opportunities for small businesses to capitalize on themed promotions.
Local pub Curtains Up reported a 28% sales increase compared to last year during the ongoing men's tournament. Michelle Ovens of Small Business Britain noted that major sporting events globally drive consumer spending and community engagement, benefiting hospitality businesses nationwide.
Despite minor hiccups, such as a weaker men's field this year and criticism over wildcard selections, the remodeled British grass court season, centered around the Queen's Championships, has been a resounding success, with new sponsors joining and continued growth anticipated.