WTA Announces Equal Prize Money for Women at All Combined 1000 Events Starting 2027

The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) confirmed on Thursday that, beginning in 2027, every combined WTA 1000 tournament will distribute identical prize money to male and female competitors. This decision brings the Italian Open and several other high‑profile stops into alignment with the rest of the elite 1000‑level circuit, ensuring that women receive the same total financial rewards as their male counterparts.

The change marks a historic moment for the sport. Nearly sixty years after Billie Jean King lifted the trophy at the Italian Open in Rome’s iconic Foro Italico, the tournament will finally match the men’s total purse. The WTA described the move as a "major milestone" in its ongoing quest for gender parity in professional tennis.

By 2027, all combined WTA 1000 events—those that host both men’s and women’s draws at the same venue—will pay equal prize money for the first time. This brings the Canadian Open, the Cincinnati Masters, and the Italian Open into step with the existing 1000‑level tournaments that already offer parity, such as Indian Wells, Miami, Madrid, and the events in China. The policy also mirrors the equal‑pay standards already in place at the United Cup and the four Grand Slam championships.

"Achieving equal prize money across all combined WTA 1000 tournaments is a major milestone for tennis," said Valerie Camillo, chair of the WTA. "It demonstrates the WTA's continued commitment to leading the sports industry in delivering our athletes competitive and financial equality and is a testament to the enduring nature of the founding vision of the WTA." The 2027 calendar will be expansive, featuring 55 tournaments spread across 26 countries and territories. The season‑ending WTA Finals will relocate to Charlotte, North Carolina, where they will be staged for at least three years in an NBA arena, providing a larger stage and greater visibility for the sport’s premier showcase. In addition to the prize‑money overhaul, the WTA unveiled several other structural adjustments for the 2027 season.

An expanded WTA 250‑level event will debut in Manila, Philippines, capitalising on the surging popularity of local star Alex Eala and the growing appetite for high‑level tennis in Southeast Asia. The organization also streamlined the mandatory schedule for top‑ranked players. The number of required WTA 500‑level tournaments for athletes ranked inside the top 50 will be cut from six to four.

Consequently, the baseline playing commitment for elite players will consist of 14 WTA events plus the four Grand Slams, reducing travel strain and allowing athletes more flexibility to manage their bodies and careers. "The WTA is stepping up to deliver more for players and tournaments in 2027," Camillo added.

"We have listened to player feedback on the demands of the calendar and responded with a meaningful reduction in commitments." Key reforms approved by the WTA Board for the upcoming season include: * Full parity in prize money at every combined WTA 1000 stop. * A revised tournament schedule that lessens mandatory appearances for top‑50 players, aiming to improve work‑life balance and extend career longevity. * Introduction of a new WTA 250 event in Manila, reflecting the sport’s strategic push into emerging markets.

* Relocation of the WTA Finals to Charlotte, offering a state‑of‑the‑art arena and a fresh fan experience. * Continued expansion of broadcast options, with live streaming available on platforms such as NOW and the Sky Sports App, ensuring that fans worldwide can follow events like the China Open and the ATP Shanghai Masters without a traditional contract.

The decision to equalise prize money at the 1000‑level events follows a broader trend in professional tennis. The four Grand Slam tournaments—Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open—have offered equal prize money to men and women since 2007, setting a precedent that the WTA has now extended to its own flagship combined events. By aligning the financial rewards across the board, the WTA hopes to reinforce the message that women’s tennis is equally valuable, marketable, and deserving of investment. Beyond the financial implications, the move is expected to have cultural and developmental impacts.

Equal prize money can encourage greater participation at the grassroots level, inspire young girls to pursue tennis professionally, and attract sponsors who are eager to associate with a sport that demonstrates a clear commitment to gender equality. The upcoming season will also see a continued emphasis on fan engagement and accessibility. The WTA’s partnership with streaming services ensures that matches are available on a variety of devices, and the organization is exploring new ways to enhance the in‑stadium experience, including interactive digital features and community outreach programs at host cities.

Overall, the 2027 reforms represent a comprehensive effort by the WTA to modernise the tour, promote fairness, and sustain growth. By guaranteeing that women receive the same prize money as men at the sport’s most prestigious combined events, the association not only honors the legacy of pioneers like Billie Jean King but also sets a forward‑looking standard for equality in athletics worldwide.