‘Major Milestone’: Women to Receive Equal Prize Money at All Combined WTA 1000 Events

The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) announced on Thursday that, beginning in 2027, every combined WTA 1000 tournament will award identical prize money to male and female competitors. This decision brings the Italian Open, along with other marquee events, into line with the rest of the elite tier, marking what the organization describes as a "major milestone" for gender‑parity in professional tennis.

Historically, the disparity in earnings between men’s and women’s tours has been a point of contention. While the four Grand Slam championships have offered equal payouts for more than a decade, many of the high‑profile WTA 1000 events—formerly known as Premier Mandatory and Premier 5 tournaments—continued to operate with separate prize structures.

The upcoming change will eliminate that gap across the entire combined category, ensuring that the total purse for each event is split equally between the ATP and WTA draws. The 2027 calendar will see the Rome clay‑court classic, the Italian Open, finally match the prize money that men receive.

This is particularly symbolic because the tournament’s own history includes a landmark moment nearly sixty years ago when Billie Jean King captured the title at the Foro Italico. Now, the same venue will celebrate a new era of financial equality, reinforcing the broader movement toward gender fairness that has been gaining momentum since the 1970s. In practical terms, the shift means that the Canadian Open (also known as the Rogers Cup), the Cincinnati Open (Western & Southern Open), and the Italian Open will join Indian Wells, Miami, Madrid, and the China Open—all of which already feature equal prize money for men’s and women’s draws.

The United Cup, a mixed‑gender team competition, and the four Grand Slam tournaments are also part of this growing cohort that treats male and female athletes on an equal financial footing. "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." Her remarks underscore the association’s long‑standing advocacy for parity, a principle that dates back to the organization’s formation in 1973 when pioneers like King fought for equal treatment on and off the court. The broader 2027 schedule will 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 at least three years, providing a high‑profile stage for the year’s top eight singles players and doubles teams. This move is part of a strategic effort to expand the sport’s footprint in the United States and to capitalize on modern, multi‑use venues that can accommodate larger audiences and enhanced broadcast capabilities. In addition to the prize‑money overhaul, the WTA unveiled several structural adjustments aimed at lightening the calendar for top‑ranked players.

The number of mandatory WTA 500 events for those inside the top 50 will be trimmed from six to four. Consequently, players will face a base commitment of 14 WTA tournaments plus the four Grand Slams in 2027, a reduction that the organization hopes will alleviate scheduling fatigue and reduce injury risk.

Camillo highlighted the player‑centric nature of these reforms: "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." By easing the required tournament load, the WTA aims to give athletes more flexibility to manage their bodies, pursue personal branding opportunities, and engage with fans without the pressure of an overloaded schedule.

Another noteworthy addition to the 2027 itinerary is an expanded WTA 250‑level event in Manila, Philippines. The decision reflects the growing enthusiasm for tennis in Southeast Asia, sparked in part by the rise of homegrown talent Alex Eala, who has become a national figure and a catalyst for increased participation and viewership in the region. The WTA also announced enhancements to its broadcast strategy.

Fans will be able to stream matches without a traditional contract through platforms such as NOW and the Sky Sports App, ensuring broader accessibility. Moreover, the China Open and the ATP 1000 Shanghai Masters will be available live on Sky Sports, further integrating the men's and women's tours for a seamless viewing experience.

Overall, the 2027 reforms represent a comprehensive push toward equality, sustainability, and global growth for women's tennis. By aligning prize money with the men's tour at the highest combined‑event level, simplifying the calendar for elite players, and expanding into new markets, the WTA is positioning itself as a forward‑thinking organization committed to fairness and the long‑term health of the sport.

These initiatives are expected to inspire other sports bodies to examine their own compensation structures and could serve as a blueprint for achieving gender parity on a worldwide scale.