In a groundbreaking move, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has secured a multiyear deal to sponsor the WTA women’s rankings. This partnership marks a significant milestone for both the WTA and the Saudi Arabian sports landscape.
The WTA announced the partnership on Monday, highlighting the PIF as the first-ever naming-rights partner for the WTA rankings. This deal is part of a broader strategy by Saudi Arabia to enhance its presence in the global tennis arena. Last month, it was revealed that the kingdom will host the WTA’s season-ending championships in Riyadh starting this year, a testament to Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in the sport. This follows February’s announcement of PIF’s sponsorship of the ATP men’s rankings.
The tennis world is currently engulfed in a heated debate over whether the sport should follow in the footsteps of golf and other disciplines by forging deals with Saudi Arabia, a country criticized by human rights organizations for its treatment of women and LGBT individuals. Prominent figures in the tennis community are divided on the issue.
Gross
I still do not understand HOW the WOMEN’S organization (or at least created for women) don’t see anything wrong in cooperation with some companies from countries like Saudi Arabia where women’s right are strongly violated, LGBTQ+ can be sentenced to death just because they are LGBTQ+ and political oppositionis killed. I understand that money are important but come on…