Purses for Remaining WPVA Events Reduced

The $40,000 Hermosa Beach Open originally had a $50,000 purse, but financial troubles have forced the Women’s Professional Volleyball Assn. to reduce prize money by 20% for each of the eight remaining tour events.

The six remaining $50,000 events will offer $40,000 and the $75,000 U.S. Open at Venice Beach on Aug. 1-2 has been reduced to $60,000. The season-ending World Championships in Manhattan Beach on Aug. 21-23 has been cut from $100,000 to $80,000.

In addition, some players claim they have not been paid their full earnings through the first eight tournaments.

Few players agreed to discuss the matter and only one, Jackie Silva, spoke on the record.

“The organization is in trouble. . . . I knew they were broke,” Silva said. “I’m worried. I feel bad. I really don’t like it.”

Silva is among several players who earn a living playing professionally on the beach.

“I don’t really know exactly what’s going on,” Silva said. “I hope it’s not too late.”