The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) announced on Thursday that, beginning in 2027, every combined WTA 1000 tournament will distribute the same total prize money to female and male players. This policy shift means that iconic stops such as the Italian Open, along with other high‑profile events, will join the existing roster of combined 1000‑level competitions that already pay men and women equally. The decision arrives almost sixty years after Billie Jean King lifted the trophy at the Foro Italico in Rome. In 2027, the Rome clay‑court classic will finally match the men’s purse, marking what the WTA describes as a "major milestone" in the sport’s ongoing quest for gender parity.
By that year, all combined WTA 1000 stops – a tier that includes the Canadian Open, the Cincinnati Open, and the Italian Open – will sit alongside Indian Wells, Miami, Madrid and the Chinese events, as well as the United Cup and the four Grand Slam championships, in offering identical financial rewards to both sexes. "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 organization’s belief that equal pay is not merely a symbolic gesture but a core component of a sustainable professional environment for athletes.
The 2027 calendar will be expansive, featuring 55 tournaments spread across 26 nations 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 consecutive years beginning in 2027.
This move reflects the WTA’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 demands placed on top players. The required number of WTA 500‑level events for players ranked inside the top 50 will be trimmed from six to four. Consequently, the baseline schedule for elite competitors will consist of 14 WTA tournaments plus the four Grand Slands, a reduction that the organization hopes will grant athletes more recovery time and better manage travel fatigue.
"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." This sentiment resonates with many players who have long advocated for a more balanced schedule that still offers ample competitive opportunities. Beyond the elite tier, the WTA also announced an expansion at the WTA 250 level, with a new tournament slated for Manila, Philippines. The addition responds to surging local enthusiasm, particularly surrounding homegrown talent Alex Eala, whose rising profile has sparked considerable interest in tennis across Southeast Asia.
The broader push for equality is not limited to prize money. The WTA Board approved a suite of media and broadcasting initiatives for 2027, including the launch of a contract‑free streaming option on the NOW platform and the Sky Sports App. Fans will be able to watch marquee events such as the WTA/ATP China Open and the ATP 1000 Shanghai Masters live via Sky Sports, further democratizing access to high‑level tennis content. Overall, the 2027 reforms represent a multi‑pronged effort to modernize the sport, enhance player welfare, and promote gender equity on a global stage.
By aligning prize structures across the most prestigious combined events, the WTA sends a clear message that the contributions of women athletes are valued on par with those of their male counterparts. This alignment also mirrors the policies already in place at the Grand Slam tournaments, which have offered equal prize money for both genders for several years.
The ripple effects of these changes are likely to be felt throughout the tennis ecosystem. Tournament organizers will need to adjust budgeting and sponsorship models to accommodate the new payout structures, while broadcasters may see increased viewership as fans tune in to watch equally compensated men’s and women’s matches.
Moreover, aspiring young players—especially girls—will have a more tangible example of a sport that rewards talent without gender bias, potentially inspiring the next generation of champions. In summary, the WTA’s 2027 agenda marks a decisive step toward financial fairness, streamlined scheduling, and broader global outreach. By guaranteeing equal prize money at all combined WTA 1000 events, reducing mandatory tournament commitments for top‑ranked players, and expanding the tour’s presence in emerging markets, the organization is positioning tennis as a forward‑looking sport that values equality, player health, and fan engagement alike.