2026 ASB Classic Auckland Prize Money & WTA Ranking Points Overview

The 2026 ASB Classic is among the tournaments starting on January 5th, and the prize money and ranking points have been released.

WTA 250 tournaments like the ASB Classic often struggle to attract significant names. However, events at the start of the year have the advantage of players wanting to build momentum for the season and for the Australian Open.

Venus Williams was awarded a wild card for the event in Auckland as she tries to build momentum after making a return to professional tennis last year at the 2025 Citi Open, 2025 Cincinnati Open, and the 2025 US Open.

The American was then given a wild card for the 2026 Australian Open in what some think might be her final appearance in Melbourne. At 45, it is remarkable that Williams remains active on the WTA Tour.

Williams is not the only high-profile player who is in the ASB Classic draw. 2017 US Open champion Sloane Stephens, who did not play much last year because of injury issues, was also awarded a wild card.

Williams, Stephens, Emma Navarro, Elina Svitolina, and all the women in the main draw will play for the highest possible share of the prize money and ranking points. $283,347 is the overall prize money pot.

The 2026 ASB Classic champion will earn $37,390 and 250 points. Clara Tauson won last year's event after Naomi Osaka retired during the final with an injury, but neither player is on the 2026 entry list.

Coco Gauff was the 2023 and 2024 champion in Auckland. Rather than attempt to secure a third consecutive title, the American participated in the 2025 United Cup, and she elected to compete in it again this year.

Whoever replicates Osaka's achievement of being the losing finalist will receive $22,125 and 163 points. The strength of the 2026 entry list makes predicting the two finalists very challenging.

Robin Montgomery and Alycia Parks, both Americans were last year's defeated semifinalists. Reaching that far in 2026 will be enough to earn $12,331 and 98 points, not bad for winning three main draw matches.

The financial rewards drop to four figures from the quarterfinals. Whoever exits the tournament at that stage will leave Auckland with $7,025 and 54 points. Those points would be enough for several players to jump significantly in the rankings.

Sixteen players will reach the second round without going any further. The women who suffer that fate are guaranteed to collect $4,285 and 30 points. Sofia Kenin was among those who lost in last year's round of 16.

Players who are eliminated in the opening round will receive one ranking point and $3,065. The financial rewards are similar to the round of 16, but getting 29 fewer points is a significant difference, especially for lower-ranked players.

Despite being so early in the season, the ASB Classic could be one of the most interesting WTA 250s of the season. Hopefully, fans are treated to much entertaining tennis from a combination of former Grand Slam champions and highly-ranked players.