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 places the Italian Open, along with other marquee events, on an equal footing with the rest of the category, ensuring that the total financial rewards for women match those for men. The upcoming change marks a historic moment for the sport.

Nearly sixty years after Billie Jean King captured the Italian Open title at Rome’s historic Foro Italico, the tournament will finally align its prize pool with that of its male counterpart. The WTA describes this alignment as a "major milestone" in its broader push for gender parity across professional tennis. By 2027, all combined WTA 1000 stops—those that host both men’s and women’s draws—will feature equal payouts for the first time.

This shift brings the Canadian Open, the Cincinnati Open and the Italian Open into line with the other elite 1000‑level events such as Indian Wells, Miami, Madrid and the Chinese tournaments, as well as the United Cup and the four Grand Slam championships, all of which already award equal prize money to men and women. "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 in an NBA arena for at least three years beginning in 2027, providing a larger stage and increased visibility for the sport’s climax. 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 surge of local enthusiasm generated by home‑grown talent Alex Eala.

Meanwhile, the mandatory number of WTA 500‑level tournaments for players ranked inside the top 50 will be trimmed from six to four. This reduction lowers the baseline playing commitment to 14 WTA events plus the four Grand Slams, easing the calendar pressure on elite players. Camillo emphasized that the organization is responding directly to player feedback. "The WTA is stepping up to deliver more for players and tournaments in 2027," she said.

"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 2027 season include: * Equal prize money for women at all combined WTA 1000 tournaments, aligning the financial rewards with those already in place for men. * A streamlined schedule that reduces mandatory WTA 500 events for top‑50 players, allowing athletes more flexibility and recovery time.

* The introduction of a new WTA 250 event in Manila, reflecting the growing global footprint of women's tennis and the sport's commitment to nurturing talent in emerging markets. * The relocation of the WTA Finals to Charlotte, providing a modern arena setting and a fresh market for the season‑ending showcase. The WTA also announced enhancements to its broadcast strategy. Fans will be able to stream matches without a contractual commitment on platforms such as NOW and the Sky Sports app, expanding accessibility for global audiences.

Notably, live coverage of the WTA/ATP China Open and the ATP 1000 Shanghai Masters will be available via Sky Sports, offering a seamless viewing experience for both men's and women's events. These initiatives underscore the WTA’s broader mission to promote gender equality, improve player welfare, and expand the sport’s reach. By guaranteeing equal prize money at the highest combined‑event level, the organization sends a clear message that the achievements of female athletes are valued on par with those of their male peers. The move also aligns tennis with other major sports that have already adopted equal pay policies, reinforcing its position as a leader in the fight for fairness.

Beyond financial parity, the schedule adjustments aim to reduce player fatigue and injury risk, acknowledging the physical toll of an increasingly demanding tour. By cutting the number of mandatory 500‑level stops, top players can better manage their bodies, potentially leading to higher‑quality matches at the biggest events, including the Grand Slams and the newly relocated WTA Finals. The expansion into Manila reflects tennis’s strategic push into Asia, a region that has shown rapid growth in fan interest and sponsorship opportunities.

Alex Eala’s rising profile has sparked considerable local excitement, and the new tournament is expected to inspire a new generation of players while providing additional ranking points and prize money. Overall, the 2027 reforms represent a comprehensive effort to modernise the women’s tour, champion equality, and adapt to the evolving needs of athletes and fans alike. With equal prize money now a reality at all combined WTA 1000 events, the sport takes a decisive step toward a more inclusive and sustainable future.