Women’s tennis is considering a potential partnership with Saudi Arabia, similar to other sports. WTA Chairman and CEO, Steve Simon, revealed that he visited the country in February with some players for evaluation purposes. While holding a tournament there is not currently planned, Simon emphasized the complexity of the topic, as many different groups are examining the issue. The challenges in Saudi Arabia regarding women’s rights and LGBTQ+ rights are acknowledged.
Simon’s comments followed the WTA’s recent announcement of establishing a “pathway to equal prize money.” By 2027, certain tournaments will offer equal earnings for women, with others expected to follow suit by 2033. Simon explained that this will come from increased financial support from events and revenue generated through WTA Ventures.
Simon also mentioned that the Saudi sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund, has been in contact with the ATP (men’s tennis tour). Furthermore, the PGA Tour, European Tour, and the fund united their commercial businesses, and Saudi soccer clubs have been recruiting top players from Europe. These endeavors have been criticized as “sportswashing,” attempts to improve a nation’s public image through sports.
Simon believes that engaging with Saudi Arabia could potentially contribute to improving human rights in the country, particularly for women. Supporting and encouraging positive changes is crucial. Billie Jean King, a tennis legend and advocate for equal rights, echoed this sentiment during a panel discussion, emphasizing the importance of engagement for driving meaningful change.
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