Staggering prize money revealed for WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s influence in tennis is continuing to grow after it was confirmed they will host the prestigious WTA Finals for the next three years, with the prize money on offer set to change the face of the women’s game.

Last year’s somewhat shambolic event took place in Cancun, Mexico, amid speculation that the tournament would be held in Saudi Arabia, which continues to come under the spotlight for human rights violations.

Now it has been confirmed that this year’s WTA Finals will take place between November 2-9 in Saudi Arabia, featuring the top eight singles players and doubles teams.

The WTA said it assessed “multiple bids” from different regions and with further prize money increases happening in 2025 and 2026, it will “support broader investment” in the “future development and growth of women’s tennis”.

The initial winners from this decision appear to be the players, with the WTA and Saudi Tennis Federation offering record prize money of €15.25million (£12.9million) at this year’s tournament.

This is substantially more than the players who reach the last eight of Grand Slam tournaments receive collectively and may inspire some critics to soften their stance on the decision to award the event to Saudi Arabia.

In January, Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert voiced concerns about the WTA Finals being held in Saudi Arabia, stating in a comment piece for the Washington Post that hosting the tournament there would be a “significant step backwards to the detriment not just of women’s sport, but women”.

Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the United States, Her Royal Highness Princess Reema Bint Bandar Al Saud, responded to the comments, describing them as “outdated stereotypes and western-centric views of our culture”.

Speaking about the new deal, WTA chairman and CEO Steve Simon said: “Bringing the WTA Finals to Riyadh is an exciting new opportunity for us and a positive step for the long-term growth of women’s tennis as a global and inclusive sport.

“We’ve been impressed by the commitment shown by the Saudi Tennis Federation to grow the sport at all levels, and we have no doubt that players and fans can look forward to a world-class event in Riyadh as the finale to the 2024, 2025 and 2026 seasons.”

READ MORE: WTA Finals venue finally confirmed in announcement likely to divide tennis

This announcement from the WTA will inspire more criticism, but the harsh reality is that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is offering a variety of sports the kind of financial boost that cannot be ignored.

While the top eight women players will reap the rewards of this new deal, the WTA will also be boosted by a partnership that will allow them to cement their organisation on a. sound financial footing.

That will be good news for women’s tennis in general, as it continues to fight what is often a losing battle for equal billing with the men’s game.

ATP Tour stars like Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner continue to attract far more media attention and sponsorship opportunities than players who hold a similar ranking on the WTA Tour.

That harsh reality may not change after this deal, but it will give the WTA Tour a chance to use the extra revenue to expand its horizons and promote the women’s game to a wider audience.

Some will always push back against Saudi investment in sports, but they have already established a strong foothold in football, boxing and golf, with tennis now very much in their sights.