WTA Announces Equal Pay for All Combined 1000 Events
Three of the seven combined events maintained a pay disparity this year.
The WTA has announced equal prize money for all combined ATP/WTA 1000 events by 2027, marking a significant milestone in the sport's pursuit of gender equality. This decision comes after a three-year pathway the WTA launched in 2023 to achieve equal pay at these tournaments. While four out of the seven combined 1000s have already implemented equal prize money, three others—Italian Open, Canadian Open, and Cincinnati Open—will follow suit in the upcoming season.
WTA Chair Valerie Camillo emphasized the importance of this achievement, stating it showcases the WTA's commitment to equal financial and competitive opportunities for athletes. This move addresses the long-standing gender pay disparity in tennis, where pay gaps between male and female athletes at prestigious tournaments have persisted for years.
The WTA's announcement also comes amid concerns over the tour's financial sustainability, with estimates projecting an operating loss of $23 million for 2026 and a cash reserve of only $11 million by year-end. In response, the WTA is diversifying its revenue streams, with the WTA Finals now set to return to the U.S. after a premature end of a deal to host it in Saudi Arabia.
The changes also include restructuring the tournament calendar, reducing the number of required 500 events for top players, and allowing players to replace their rankings based on results from WTA 500 or 250 events. These adjustments aim to provide players with greater scheduling flexibility and alleviate the strain on their personal lives, as expressed by WTA Board Member Bob Moran.
Written by urgent.news from Front Office Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
