The women’s tennis governing body has announced a new tour structure with a “pathway to equal prize money distribution” for men and women at combined WTA 1000 and 500 events from 2027.
Over the past two decades, tennis has sought to be a leader in the battle for equality by offering equal prize money to men and women at all four Grand Slam tournaments.
WTA Tour events have often offered less prize money than those on the men’s ATP Tour, but the circuit now plans to address that with its new strategy.
The WTA, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, says the prize money increases will be phased in over time to ensure the changes are sustainable for players and tournaments in the long term.
The combined WTA 1000 and 500 events will thus reach parity in terms of prize money by 2027, while the one-week WTA 1000 and 500 events will do so by 2033.
“Fifty years after players found strength in unity, I am proud that the WTA continues to be a global leader in providing opportunity, and I hope that women in other sports and backgrounds will be inspired by its example,” said WTA founder and tennis great Billie Jean King.
The revised circuit calendar will feature 10 WTA 1000 events, including Beijing (2024), Cincinnati and Toronto/Montreal
The additional WTA 1000 events will take place over a week in Doha, Dubai and a venue yet to be determined.
Wuhan was not designated as a WTA 1000 event, while Monterrey, Strasbourg and Seoul were promoted to the WTA 500 level.
“New player registration rules will ensure a consistent presence of top athletes at these premium events throughout the year,” the WTA added.
“The increase in the number of two-week WTA 1000 tournaments combined with the ATP demonstrates a better harmonization between the two circuits.”
The WTA calendar for 2024 is expected to be announced in the coming months.
Reuters
