Billie Jean King has often said that she was moved to form the women’s pro tennis circuit after earning $600 for her 1970 Italian Open title – while Ilie Nastase took home $3,500 for winning the men’s tournament the same year. The initiative means that all combined WTA 1000 events will award equal prize money for the first time.
In 2027 – nearly six decades after King’s title at the Foro Italico – the Rome clay-court event will finally award women the same amount of total prize money as men, as part a “major milestone” initiative that the WTA Tour announced Thursday.
“Achieving equal prize money across all combined WTA 1000 tournaments is a major milestone for tennis,” WTA chair Valerie Camillo said. “It demonstrates the WTA’s continued commitment to leading the sports industry in delivering our athletes competitive and financial equality and is a testament to the enduring nature of the founding vision of the WTA.”
The announcements come after the WTA recently selected Charlotte, North Carolina, to host its flagship event, the WTA Finals, for the next three years in an NBA arena. “We have listened to player feedback on the demands of the calendar and responded with a meaningful reduction in commitments. That’s an impactful step forward for players.”
Also announced for next year was an expanded WTA 250-level tournament in Manila, Philippines, amid massive interest surrounding home player Alex Eala, who is ranked 18th. In January of this year, the Philippines hosted a WTA 125-level tournament. “The 2027 changes give us more ability to build our seasons around our own goals – competitively and personally.
“The WTA is stepping up to deliver more for players and tournaments in 2027,” Camillo said. “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.
