WTA Takes The Money, Will Hold Year-End Finals In Riyadh

When push comes to shove, money wins almost every time. Today, money won again as the cash-strapped women’s tour announced it would hold its year-end WTA Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from 2024 through 2026.

After much discussion and deliberation, the tour finally got the deal done which will mean big cash for the WTA and its players.

According to the WTA, Saudi Arabia shined over other bids because:
– The ability to deliver and fund a world-class event for players and fans
– Support for the WTA’s ambition for significant prize money growth
– The strength of their commitment to growing the WTA Finals and the sport over time

Said WTA head Steve Simon, “Bringing the WTA Finals to Riyadh is an exciting new opportunity for us and a positive step for the long-term growth of women’s tennis as a global and inclusive sport. We’ve been impressed by the commitment shown by the Saudi Tennis Federation to grow the sport at all levels, and we have no doubt that players and fans can look forward to a world-class event in Riyadh as the finale to the 2024, 2025 and 2026 seasons.”

While Billie Jean King supported the move, many others were against it including Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert. But bottom line, this is a much-needed money infusion for the WTA when there are few other places to turn.

That, though, will come with a price. Saudi Arabia, which it has already done with the ATP, will now have a place at the table of the women’s tour, and will likely get more input and events down the road, regardless of its national policies.

As expected, reaction from WTA stars has been non-existent on social media. But the questions and more answers are soon to come.

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