The BNP Paribas Open continues to solidify its status as a premier event in the tennis calendar. The 2026 edition of this iconic tournament, held at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, set remarkable benchmarks in various categories, including attendance, prize money, and viewership.
This year’s tournament welcomed an unprecedented total of 527,626 fans over the two-week duration, ensuring its place as the most attended edition in history. This marks a notable trend, as it is the second consecutive year for the BNP Paribas Open to exceed the 500,000 attendance figure, a feat unmatched by any other ATP Masters 1000 or WTA 1000 event. Particularly impressive was the middle weekend of the tournament, which attracted a record-setting 176,264 spectators, including a single-day high of 60,781 on Saturday, March 7.
In addition to record attendance, the 2026 edition also boasted the largest prize money in the event’s history, with over $20 million distributed among the competitors. This remarkable increase was highlighted by the $1 million prize for the Mixed Doubles Invitational, which featured an expanded 16-team draw. The monetary offerings also included a $200,000 payout associated with the Eisenhower Cup, a special Tie Break Tens event showcasing top talent such as Taylor Fritz and Elena Rybakina.
The tournament not only attracted a wealth of players—it featured 336 athletes from 55 countries across various draws, including Men’s and Women’s Singles, Doubles, and the Mixed Doubles Invitational.
Viewership statistics further underline the event’s growing appeal, as the 2026 BNP Paribas Open became the most-watched tournament ever on Tennis Channel. Viewership jumped by 39 percent compared to 2025, while coverage of live matches and programs like TC Live saw a staggering increase of 57 percent.
The tournament’s digital reach has expanded significantly, too. The official social media channels celebrated a gain of 1.3 million followers, elevating the total to become the most followed ATP Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 event across platforms. Engagement metrics soared as well, with more than 225 million social media views and a total of 10.1 million interactions—representing a 39 percent increase year-on-year. The tournament’s official website attracted 2.7 million visitors, with 338,000 users engaging through its mobile app.
The retail aspect of the event also experienced significant growth. Merchandise sales increased by 36 percent compared to 2025, including a 14 percent rise in average transaction values and a notable surge in merchandise sold. The oversized tennis ball proved to be the top-selling item, with over 4,000 units sold during the event. Furthermore, fans enjoyed a diverse selection of food and beverage options, with overall sales climbing 20 percent over the previous year—marking the fifth consecutive year of record-breaking food and beverage revenue.
The charitable endeavors associated with the BNP Paribas Open have also deepened. The Champions Volunteer Foundation, which represents the tournament’s philanthropic initiatives, mobilized over 1,400 volunteers to support various facets of the event. The foundation made a significant contribution to the community by donating $750,000 to local organizations in 2025, and the recent Silent Auction at the 2026 tournament raised an additional $50,000 for ongoing charitable efforts.
Finally, the tournament welcomed its most extensive group of sponsors in history, with 24 companies partnering for the event, including premier brands like FAGE, lululemon, and Silversea. This collaborative spirit was celebrated with dedicated partner events and the BNP Paribas Championship weekend.
Looking ahead, the BNP Paribas Open will continue to hold its place as a cornerstone of the tennis world. As it prepares for the 2027 tournament scheduled for February 28 to March 14, anticipation is already mounting for what innovative experiences and high-level competition await in the next edition.
