Saudi Arabia to Host WTA Finals in Record-Breaking Deal

Saudi Arabia has made headlines in the sports world once again, this time as the host of the WTA Finals for the next three years. The women’s professional tennis tour announced a lucrative deal that will see the season-ending championship take place in Riyadh from 2024-26, with a record-breaking prize money of US$15.25 million, a significant 70 per cent increase from the previous year.

Despite concerns raised by tennis legends Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova regarding LGBTQ+ and women’s rights in Saudi Arabia, the WTA remains committed to developing women’s tennis on a global scale. WTA Tour Chairman and CEO Steve Simon emphasized that the tour is a global business with players from over 90 nations, participating in various countries with different cultures and values.

The decision to host the WTA Finals in Riyadh comes after considerations of locations in Europe, North America, and Asia. The move reflects Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in the sports industry, with investments in tennis, golf, and soccer. The kingdom’s role in tennis has been on the rise, with the ATP Tour also making moves to host events in the region.

While rights groups continue to highlight issues of discrimination and taboo topics in Saudi Arabia, the country has implemented social reforms in recent years, including granting women the right to drive and dismantling male guardianship laws. The WTA’s partnership with Saudi Arabia aims to promote the growth of women’s tennis and increase pay for female athletes, aligning with the tour’s commitment to gender equality in sports.

The WTA Finals in Riyadh will not only showcase top talent in women’s tennis but also serve as a platform for dialogue and progress in the region. With a record prize money and a focus on global development, the partnership between the WTA and Saudi Arabia marks a significant milestone in the evolution of women’s sports.