The WTA Finals will depart Saudi Arabia one year ahead of schedule and relocate to the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in California this November, ending the governing body's three-year contract with the kingdom.
Details of the move
The season-ending tournament, featuring the top eight singles players and doubles teams, has been held in Riyadh since 2024 under a three-year agreement. It will now take place at the site of the Indian Wells Open, a prestigious ATP and WTA 1000 event, from 8 to 15 November 2026.
In a joint statement, the WTA and Saudi Tennis Federation said: “Following two impactful years of the WTA Finals in Riyadh, the WTA requested to move the 2026 WTA Finals to a new host location. The Saudi Tennis Federation accepted WTA’s proposal, and the two organizations mutually agreed on the conclusion of the hosting arrangement and remain proud of the achievements realized through their partnership.”
Prize money and controversy
Last year, Elena Rybakina earned $5,235,000 after defeating Aryna Sabalenka in the final, the largest prize money payout in women's sports history. The WTA's presence in Saudi Arabia has drawn significant criticism, with detractors accusing the tour of sportswashing, particularly as it was the first major annual women's sporting event in the kingdom.
The WTA and Saudi Tennis Federation have defended the event, citing growth in women's sport and tennis in the region. The statement highlighted community programs reaching over 30,000 people, including workshops for women coaches, training for physical education teachers, and tennis clinics for breast cancer survivors. It also noted 20% year-on-year attendance growth, with sell-out crowds during the final days.
Future of tennis in Saudi Arabia
While the WTA Finals moves, Saudi Arabia continues to expand its men's tennis presence, with a new ATP Masters 1000 tournament expected to begin in 2028.
The WTA Finals has experienced a turbulent history. It was originally part of a 10-year contract in Shenzhen, China, from 2019, but that deal collapsed after the Covid-19 pandemic and the disappearance of Chinese player Peng Shuai. From 2021 to 2023, the event moved between Guadalajara, Fort Worth, and Cancún.
