The expected yet controversial decision has finally been made official: Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, will be the host city for the WTA Finals from 2024 to 2026. The agreement with the Saudi Tennis Federation includes a record-breaking prize money of $15.25 million for the 2024 WTA Finals, with additional increases slated for 2025 and 2026.
Earlier this week, journalist Jon Wertheim revealed that the WTA was on the brink of announcing the new venue. It was reported that neither Indian Wells nor Miami wanted the announcement to occur during their events, fearing it would detract or distract from the matches being played at the tournaments.
Days after the conclusion of the Sunshine Swing, the WTA announced that the 2024 season-ending Finals would take place from November 2 to 9 in Riyadh, featuring top eight singles players and doubles teams in the Race to the WTA Finals.
The WTA’s selection of Riyadh for the 2024-2026 WTA Finals followed an extensive evaluation process spanning several months. This process included the review of numerous bids from diverse regions and consultation with players. Potential hosts were assessed based on their capacity to deliver a top-tier event for players and fans, their commitment to supporting the WTA’s ambition for substantial prize money increases, and their dedication to advancing the WTA Finals and the sport overall.
Steve Simon, WTA Chairman and CEO, said: “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.”
Very unhappy about this. Saudi says it has “allowed” women to do more lately but it is still a very dubious regime, particularly for opposition members, journalists and women. WTA has caved in to the huge financial inducement and allowed Saudi Arabia to use them to bolster their international image. Also WTA’s bland statement does not address the huge opposition to and concern about the decision.
I fully agree with everything CLT said! Very unhappy about this also! Bad bad bad decision from the WTA!!!