WTA Selected Saudi Arabia To Host Finals; New Era in Women’s Tennis
The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) has found new sponsorship. WTA has selected Saudi Arabia to host the next three editions of the WTA Finals from 2024-2026. This is a direct result of a new agreement between the WTA and the Saudi Tennis Federation. Per the WTA press release: “The 2024 season-ending Finals will take place between November 2-9, featuring the Top 8 singles players and doubles teams in the Race to the WTA Finals.”
It further went on to say: “The agreement with the Saudi Tennis Federation will offer record prize money of $15.25 million at the WTA Finals in 2024 with further increases in 2025 and 2026. The partnership will also support broader investment in the future development and growth of women’s tennis, including the WTA’s plans to grow the global fanbase for women’s tennis through increased investment in marketing, digital and fan engagement.”
That’s good news in terms of more money for the women and greater exposure. However, others are questioning the move to Saudi Arabia. Particularly because of the track record the country has had regarding women’s rights. It was just in September 2017 that their right to drive was acknowledged. Hall of Famers Martina Navratilova and Chris Everett were both opposed to the move to Saudi Arabia. They said holding the WTA Finals there “would represent not progress, but significant regression.”
WTA Selected Saudi Arabia To Host Finals Raising Questions
Nevertheless, Steve Simon, the chief executive of the WTA Tour is optimistic about the new deal. He said, “We do have assurances that everyone’s going to be welcome at the finals and I don’t anticipate anything more than positive experiences.” No. 3 seed Coco Gauff is apprehensive but is hoping for a good outcome. She stated, “Definitely don’t support the situation there,’ Gauff said. ‘But I hope that if we do decide to go there, I hope that we’re able to make change and improve the quality there and engage in the local communities and make a difference.”
Women’s sports events are gaining in popularity. Not just at live events; but on television. Case in point; just reflect on the popularity explosion recently experienced in women’s college basketball.
Nevertheless, Saudi Arabia has enacted wide-ranging social reforms. Such as largely dismantling male guardianship laws that controlled the lives of women. And also the easing of gender segregation in public places. Perhaps these changes will bode well for the new WTA alliance.
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