The amount Wimbledon ball boys and girls get paid in 2026
The eyes of the sporting world will descend on SW19 this week as Wimbledon finally gets underway. Some of the biggest names in tennis will battle it out on the famous grass courts over the next two weeks, with the likes of reigning men’s champion Jannik Sinner, seven-time victor Novak Djokovic, women’s world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka and British fan favourite Emma Raducanu all expected to attract huge attention.
But it won’t just be the players stepping into the spotlight in south-west London. Also taking centre stage will be Wimbledon’s famous ball boys and ball girls (BBGs), who are tasked with keeping all 675 matches running smoothly by collecting loose balls and supplying players with fresh ones quickly.
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Wimbledon organisers typically receive around 1,400 applications every year from youngsters eager to become a BBG. Approximately 280 are then selected, with most aged between 14 and 17.
In total, around 180 of those are Year 9 and Year 10 pupils from participating schools in the local area, with a further 100 who worked at previous Championships invited back for another stint.
Being a BBG can be a gruelling assignment, with training for the role starting in February. Prospective recruits attend multiple weekly sessions at the All England Club’s training centre in Raynes Park, where they are put through their paces with speed drills, court exercises and written tests designed to assess their knowledge of rules and procedures.
Former Wimbledon ball boy Alex Crockford, who worked at the Championships in the 2000s, said the preparation was far more demanding than many fans realise. “The training was intense and very physical,” he told the Express. “We practiced how to throw the ball perfectly to the players and how to stand still for long periods.”
From mid-May, training moves to the grass at Wimbledon, with BBGs honing their craft in full uniform as they prepare to perform in front of millions of viewers around the world.
Despite the demands of the job, they are not paid a salary. Instead, they typically receive a stipend of around £200 to cover expenses during the fortnight of action. For most youngsters, however, the opportunity to work at one of the most prestigious events on the British sporting calendar is worth far more than the money.
There are additional perks too. BBGs receive free meals and refreshments while on duty and get to keep their official Wimbledon uniform, supplied by premium fashion brand Ralph Lauren. The best-performing BBGs can also earn the chance to work on show courts such as Centre Court or Court One, providing them with a front-seat view for some of the biggest matches in world tennis.