Singapore will host the season-ending Women's Tennis Association (WTA) Championships for five years from next year to 2018.

Instead of the usual three-year deal, the Republic has secured a record-breaking partnership between the governing body of women's professional tennis, the World Sport Group (WSG), Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and the Singapore Sports Council (SSC).

Stacey Allaster, chairman and chief executive officer of the WTA, made the announcement at the Four Seasons Hotel on Wednesday, an event that was broadcast live online.

She said: "Singapore is exciting. It's state-of-the-art and we love the people. I am very much looking forward to the Championships in Singapore in 2014."

Singapore will transform the event into an international entertainment spectacle featuring new events such as the WTA Future Stars and WTA Legends exhibition matches, concerts, coaches and trade symposiums.

Said Andrew Georgious, chief executive officer of WSG. who put in the bid with the support of the STB and SSC: "Today's announcement reflects Singapore's growing status as a global sports and entertainment destination, adding to its stable of world-class events."