WTA announces 'major milestone' with equal prize money at Italian Open and other big events in 2027
Billie Jean King has often said that she was moved to form the women’s pro tennis circuit after earning $600 for her 1970 Italian Open title — while Ilie Nastase took home $3,500 for winning the men’s tournament the same year. In 2027 — nearly six decades after King's title at the Foro Italico — the Rome clay-court event will finally award women the same amount of total prize money as men, as…
The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) has announced a major milestone that will see equal prize money awarded at all combined WTA 1000 events as of 2027. This includes the Italian Open, which has been a holdout for gender equality in prize money. The Canadian Open and the Cincinnati Open are also part of the equal prize money initiative.
The WTA Chair Valerie Camillo stated that this achievement signifies the WTA's dedication to leading the sports industry in delivering competitive and financial equality for its athletes. The total men's prize money in Rome for 2023 was $9.6 million, while the women received $8.3 million. Additionally, the WTA announced an expanded 250-level tournament in Manila, primarily driven by the interest of home player Alex Eala, ranked 18th.
The number of annual WTA 500-level tournaments required for top 50 players has been reduced from six to four, with a total base playing commitment of 14 WTA tournaments plus the four Grand Slams in 2027. These changes are a result of player feedback on the demands of the calendar, and the WTA has committed to implementing these updates as a one-year pilot for 2027.
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