WTA confirms equal prize money for all combined 1000 events
The WTA announced all combined WTA 1000 tournaments will award equal prize money to women and men starting in 2027.
The Women's Tennis Association announced on Thursday that all combined WTA 1000 tournaments will award equal prize money to women and men starting in 2027. This resolves the long-standing holdouts at the Italian Open, the Canadian Open, and the Cincinnati Open.
Other combined WTA 1000 events in Indian Wells, Miami, Madrid, and Beijing already offer equal prize money, as do the four Grand Slams and the United Cup. WTA chair Valerie Camillo called the move a major milestone. "Achieving equal prize money across all combined WTA 1000 tournaments is a major milestone for tennis," Camillo said.
Italian Open to finally match men’s prize money in 2027 after broken 2025 pledge
The Italian Open in Rome will award women the same total prize money as men in 2027. This comes nearly six decades after Billie Jean King won the 1970 women's title for $600 while Ilie Nastase won the men's title the same year for $3,500. That experience spurred King to form the women's professional tennis circuit.
In 2023, the Italian Tennis Federation pledged to introduce equal prize money within three years, targeting 2025. That promise was not kept. Prize money totals for that year highlight the disparity that will now end.
| Tournament | 2023 Men's Prize Money | 2023 Women's Prize Money |
|---|---|---|
| Italian Open | $9.6 million | $8.3 million |
Broader 2027 calendar changes reduce player load and add flexibility
The 2027 WTA Tour will feature 55 tournaments across 26 countries and territories. Key changes approved by the WTA Board aim to reduce demands on top players. The number of WTA 500-level tournaments required for players ranked in the top 50 has been reduced from six to four.
This creates a total base playing commitment of 14 WTA tournaments plus the four Grand Slams. A new ranking rule will also allow players to replace one eligible WTA 1000 tournament result with a stronger WTA 500 or 250 result. The WTA Tour Architecture Council, chaired by world number three Jessica Pegula, was heavily relied upon for these reforms.
"As players, we’re on the road most of the year, so having more flexibility in our schedules and commitments makes a real difference," Pegula said.
WTA Finals set for Charlotte through at least 2029 as Saudi deal ends
The season-ending WTA Finals will be staged in Charlotte, North Carolina, from 2027 for at least three years. The event will be held in an NBA arena. This move follows the WTA opting out of the final year of a three-year hosting arrangement with Saudi Arabia.
Manila WTA 250 added to 2027 calendar amid home interest in Alex Eala
An expanded WTA 250-level tournament has been added to the 2027 calendar in Manila, Philippines. The addition is driven by interest in home player Alex Eala, who is ranked 18th.
The WTA said the 2027 updates will be implemented as a one-year pilot to evaluate impact and inform decisions for 2028 and beyond.
