WTA Finals move to Charlotte from 2027 after Saudi exit

The WTA will stage its season-ending Finals in Charlotte, North Carolina for at least three years starting in 2027. The 2026 edition will be held this November at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in California, the tour announced on Wednesday.

This move follows the termination of the WTA's agreement with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), which had hosted the event in Riyadh. The tour has struggled to find a permanent home for its flagship tournament, with six different hosts in the last seven editions.

WTA chair Valerie Camillo described 2026 as "a year of transition" and "belt-tightening." She said the organization aims to turn the Finals into "the Super Bowl of women's sports."

Financial pressures and strategic shift

Internal WTA projections reported by The Telegraph indicate the tour could run out of cash next year and fall into debt by autumn 2027 if current spending continues. The WTA expects operating losses of $23 million in 2026, with the lost revenue from the Saudi deal cited as a major factor.

The end of the Saudi agreement was influenced by the broader Middle Eastern conflict and the PIF's decision to reduce spending on sports properties, including the LIV Golf circuit. Camillo stated that relocating the 2026 event to Indian Wells was a strategic decision to lay the groundwork for the long-term move to Charlotte.

New operational model for Charlotte

For the Charlotte Finals, the WTA will operate the event itself through a public-private partnership involving the city, county, state, and local businesses. This marks a shift from previous outside-promoter arrangements.

The WTA will be taking greater ownership and control of the event and investing alongside our partners, Camillo said. She added that this model allows the tour to control its revenue and expenses, claiming it provides a "clear path" to consistent financial performance from 2027.

Prize money and player partnerships

The prize money for the 2027 Finals in Charlotte has not been set. This year's edition in Indian Wells will feature a total prize pot of $10 million, which is $5.5 million less than the record amount awarded to 2025 champion Elena Rybakina.

Camillo said equal prize money with men's tennis remains a goal, but the tour is also exploring alternatives like a profit-sharing model with players. We want this event to be built together with the players, she remarked. Why stop at equal prize money?

Tournament details and relocation

The WTA Finals feature the season's top eight singles players and eight doubles teams, competing in a round-robin group stage followed by knockout semifinals and a final. The event will be held at Charlotte's Spectrum Center, with a fan festival planned at the nearby convention center.

As part of the move, the WTA will also relocate its global headquarters from St. Petersburg, Florida, to Charlotte.