MADRID, 27 Jun. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The WTA has announced this Tuesday its new calendar for the WTA Tour and has confirmed that it will begin a path towards “equal prize money” with the ATP circuit, something that it expects to occur in 2027 for combined category 1,000 and 500 tournaments. .
Among the main objectives of the WTA is to achieve equal prize money between the women’s and men’s circuits, changes that seek to be “sustainable for the players and the tournaments in the long term”, with the combined WTA 1,000 and 500 tournaments distributing the same prize money for 2027, and the single-week WTA 1,000 and 500 events for 2033.
WTA 1,000 level tournaments increase to a total of 10 and include several transitioning to two weeks and with that, bigger draws: Rome (2023), Beijing (2024) and Cincinnati and Toronto/Montreal (2025), plus of the already existing appointments in Indian Wells, Miami and Madrid. Additional WTA 1,000 events will be week-long events in Doha, Dubai and one event yet to be defined. “The increase in the two-week WTA 1,000 tournaments combined with ATP demonstrates a clearer lineup on both Tours,” the WTA notes.
Additionally, it seeks to “enhance WTA 500 events and increase their value,” something it will pursue through various strategic additions and less overlap on the schedule, along with new entry rules. WTA 500 events will increase to 17 tournaments in the new schedule: Abu Dhabi, Adelaide, Berlin, Brisbane, Charleston, Eastbourne, Monterrey, San Diego, Seoul, Strasbourg, Stuttgart, Tokyo, United Cup, Washington, Zhengzhou and two more to come. define.
At the WTA 250 level, tournaments will have a stronger regional focus to create “a more sustainable and viable business model” that will help “nurture the next generation of stars.” The WTA 125 will increase to 40 “in the coming years.”
In addition, the WTA singles ranking will be made up of the best 18 results + the WTA Finals (increases from the best 16) and the doubles, by the best 12 results (increases from the best 11).
WTA founder Billie Jean King was enthusiastic about the changes. “Fifty years after the players found strength in unity, I am proud that the WTA remains the world leader that it is, focused on providing opportunities for all women tennis players, and I hope that women in other sports and fields of life feel inspired by his example,” he said.
For her part, the American tennis player Sloane Stephens, a member of the Players Council, confessed that she was “proud” to be part of the “evolution” of women’s tennis, like the Croatian Donna Vekic, also part of the Council. “This moment of strategic change for the Hologic WTA Tour will align the interests of tournaments and players, and help current and future generations of tennis players. We are incredibly proud to be a part of these advances and the legacy that equal cash prizes in tournaments,” he said.
Lastly, WTA President and CEO Steve Simon discussed the changes. “At the heart of everything the WTA does is producing the highest quality products and experiences, and these strengthened calendars will have a positive impact for our players, tournaments, fans and partners. Equality, including equitable compensation, is a fundamental principle of the WTA and is crucial to reach this level. We appreciate the support of our tournaments to ensure this highest priority”, concluded.