WTA Tour aims for equal prize money in top events by 2033
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Donna Vekic of Croatia says that WTA players are proud to be part of the new developments and the legacy it will have on equal prize money.
PHOTO: EPA-EFE
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MIAMI – The WTA Tour announced plans on Tuesday for a revised calendar structure that will lead to equal prize money at combined events with the ATP Tour over the next 10 years.
The proposal would have top players consistently compete in top events with combined 1000 and 500 level WTA events attaining equal prize money by 2027 and single-week, non-combined events reaching the goal by 2033.
Tennis has sought to be a leader in the battle for equality in the last couple of decades with equal prize money offered to men and women at the four Grand Slams.
WTA Tour events, however, have often offered less prize money than those on the separate men’s ATP circuit, but the tour now plans to address the issue with its new strategy.
The WTA – which is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its foundation in 2023 – will boost the number of 1000 level tournaments to 10 with several stretching to two weeks in length with larger draws, as is currently the case in Miami and Indian Wells.
Rome made the jump for 2023 with Madrid and Beijing set to follow suit in 2024 and Cincinnati and Canada making the change in 2025, with equal prize money the aim by 2027.
Other WTA 1000 events would be one-week tournaments at Doha and Dubai in February and a site to be determined in October, with prize money equality reached within a decade.
“Fifty years after the players found strength in unity, I’m proud the WTA continues to be a global leader focused on providing opportunities and hope that women in other sports and walks of life are inspired by its example,” WTA founder Billie Jean King said.
New player entry rules would ensure top players compete at the premium-level events consistently, the WTA added.
“The increase in two-week WTA 1000 tournaments combined with the ATP demonstrates a clearer alignment across both tours,” it said.
The number of 500 level events will jump to 17 with stops in Tokyo, Brisbane, Charleston, San Diego, Washington, Seoul, Berlin, Adelaide, Abu Dhabi, Eastbourne, Monterrey, Strasbourg, Zhengzhou and Stuttgart plus the United Cup and two events in unrevealed markets.
The restructuring of the WTA Tour is also a result of a new partnership with CVC Capital Partners, a private equity firm that bought a 20 per cent stake in the tour for US$150 million (S$203 million).
WTA Players’ Council member Donna Vekic said: “This game-changing moment for the WTA Tour will align both tournament and player interests and help current and future generations of female tennis players.
“We are incredibly proud to be part of these developments and the legacy it will have on equal prize money.”
The WTA calendar for 2024 is set to be announced in the coming months. AFP, REUTERS
