The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) announced on Thursday that, beginning in 2027, every combined WTA 1000 tournament will distribute identical prize money to male and female competitors. This policy shift means that prestigious stops such as the Italian Open, alongside other marquee events, will join a growing list of tournaments that already offer equal financial rewards for men and women. The decision arrives almost sixty years after tennis legend Billie Jean King lifted the trophy at the Italian Open held at Rome’s historic Foro Italico. In 2027, the Rome clay‑court championship will finally match the total purse paid to its male counterpart, marking what the WTA describes as a "major milestone" in the sport’s ongoing quest for gender parity.
By aligning the prize structures of the Canadian Open, Cincinnati Open, and the Italian Open with those of the existing combined 1000‑level tournaments—Indian Wells, Miami, Madrid and the Chinese events—the WTA ensures that all top‑tier combined events, as well as the United Cup and the four Grand Slam championships, will provide equal compensation to athletes regardless of gender. "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 upcoming 2027 calendar is set to feature 55 tournaments spread across 26 countries and territories. The season‑ending WTA Finals will relocate to Charlotte, North Carolina, where they will be staged in an NBA arena for a minimum of three years, beginning in 2027. This move reflects the organization’s strategy to broaden its geographic footprint while providing players with state‑of‑the‑art facilities.
In addition to the prize‑money overhaul, the WTA unveiled several structural adjustments aimed at easing the demanding schedule that top players have traditionally faced. The number of mandatory WTA 500‑level events for players ranked inside the top 50 will be trimmed from six to four. Consequently, the baseline commitment for elite athletes will consist of 14 WTA tournaments plus the four Grand Slams in the 2027 season.
Camillo emphasized that the board listened closely to player feedback, noting, "The WTA is stepping up to deliver more for players and tournaments in 2027. We have listened to player feedback on the demands of the calendar and responded with a meaningful reduction in commitments." Further expanding the tour’s global reach, the WTA announced an enlarged WTA 250‑level event in Manila, Philippines, capitalising on the surging popularity of homegrown talent Alex Eala. The Manila tournament is expected to attract a larger draw and provide additional opportunities for Asian players to compete at a high level without extensive travel. From a broadcasting perspective, the association also highlighted new streaming options.
Fans will be able to watch matches via the NOW platform and the Sky Sports app without a contractual lock‑in, ensuring broader accessibility for audiences worldwide. Notably, the WTA/ATP China Open and the ATP 1000 Shanghai Masters will be available live on Sky Sports, further integrating the sport’s coverage across major digital channels. The equal‑prize‑money initiative aligns with broader trends in professional sport, where governing bodies are increasingly scrutinised for gender‑based pay disparities. Tennis has long been at the forefront of this conversation, with the four Grand Slam tournaments already offering identical prize pools to men and women.
By extending this principle to all combined WTA 1000 events, the organization not only reinforces its commitment to fairness but also sets a benchmark for other sports leagues to emulate. Financial equality on the court has tangible ripple effects off the court as well.
Equal payouts can help narrow the earnings gap that influences sponsorship deals, media exposure, and post‑career opportunities for female athletes. Moreover, it sends a powerful message to younger players and fans about the value placed on women's contributions to the sport. The WTA’s strategic plan for 2027 also includes a focus on sustainability and player welfare.
Reducing the number of mandatory high‑level events lessens travel fatigue and injury risk, potentially extending the competitive lifespan of top players. Coupled with the promise of modern venues like the Charlotte NBA arena for the Finals, the tour aims to create a more balanced and appealing environment for both athletes and spectators. In summary, the 2027 reforms represent a comprehensive effort to modernise tennis: equal prize money across all combined WTA 1000 tournaments, a streamlined calendar that respects player health, expanded market presence in Asia, and enhanced streaming options for fans.
As the sport moves toward a more inclusive and equitable future, these changes underscore the WTA’s leadership role in shaping a fair playing field for all its competitors.