The
Eisenhower Cup returns to Indian Wells in 2026 as part of the BNP Paribas Open festivities, once again bringing together some of the biggest stars on the
ATP and
WTA Tours for a high-energy mixed doubles exhibition.
Played under the fast-paced Tie-Break Tens format, the one-night event serves as the traditional curtain-raiser to the Sunshine Double and regularly produces dramatic, crowd-pleasing moments inside Stadium 2 at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.
Defending champions
Elena Rybakina and
Taylor Fritz headline the field, but they are far from the only marquee names involved. Iga Swiatek, Daniil Medvedev, Casper Ruud, Jessica Pegula, Ben Shelton and Matteo Berrettini are all set to compete in what promises to be one of the most entertaining nights of the week in Tennis Paradise.
Here is everything you need to know about the 2026 Eisenhower Cup, including the full schedule, participating teams, prize money and where to watch the event live around the world.
When is the Eisenhower Cup 2026?
The Eisenhower Cup will take place on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in California.
Play is scheduled to begin at:
• 7:00 p.m. local time (PT)
• 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET)
• 3:00 a.m. GMT (United Kingdom – March 4)
• 2:00 p.m. AEDT (Australia – March 4)
As a Tie-Break Tens event, matches are played as first-to-10-point tie-breaks, with no traditional sets involved. The format ensures short, intense contests where momentum can shift rapidly, making it ideal for fans watching both in the stadium and at home.
The entire competition is completed in a single evening, with a knockout-style structure determining the champions.
Eisenhower Cup 2026 Teams
Eight mixed doubles pairings will compete in this year’s edition: 1. Elena Rybakina & Taylor Fritz (defending champions)
2. Iga Swiatek & Casper Ruud
3. Jessica Pegula & Tommy Paul
4. Amanda Anisimova & Andrey Rublev
5. Emma Navarro & Ben Shelton
6. Jasmine Paolini & Matteo Berrettini
7. Leylah Fernandez & Felix Auger-Aliassime
8. Mirra Andreeva & Daniil Medvedev
The defending champions Rybakina and Fritz return after lifting the trophy last year and will once again be among the favourites given their power-based games, which suit the sudden-death nature of the format.
The presence of multiple Grand Slam champions and Top 10 players adds further weight to what is technically an exhibition but increasingly treated with competitive seriousness.
Eisenhower Cup Prize Money
The 2026 Eisenhower Cup will award $200,000 to the winning team, making it one of the most lucrative one-night exhibition events on the calendar.
While ranking points are not awarded, the financial incentive and prestige of winning in front of a packed Indian Wells crowd provide plenty of motivation.
How to watch Eisenhower Cup 2026 live
The event will be broadcast live across multiple territories.
United States
Fans in the United States can watch live coverage on:
• Tennis Channel
• Tennis Channel App
United Kingdom
UK viewers can follow the event through:
• Tennis Channel International platforms (check local listings)
Canada
• TSN
Australia
• beIN SPORTS
Broadcast availability may vary slightly by region, and streaming access is typically available via official broadcaster apps and digital platforms.
What is the Eisenhower Cup?
The Eisenhower Cup is a mixed doubles Tie-Break Tens exhibition staged annually during the opening week of the BNP Paribas Open.
Unlike traditional doubles matches, each contest consists of a single first-to-10-point tie-break, creating an unpredictable, high-pressure environment where aggressive play is often rewarded.
Over the years, the event has featured some of the sport’s biggest names and has become a fan-favourite attraction before the ATP 1000 and WTA 1000 main draw begins.
With star power across both tours and the electric Tie-Break Tens format, the 2026 edition is set to once again deliver an entertaining spectacle ahead of the main tournament action.