The WTA Finals is leaving Saudi Arabia earlier than planned with this year’s edition moving to Indian Wells.
The tournament in November, the women’s tour’s flagship event, had been due to be played in Riyadh to conclude a controversial three-year deal.
There have been rumours for several months regarding the future destination of the event, and it has now been announced the eight-woman tournament will be staged in California.
Elena Rybakina defeated Aryna Sabalenka in last season’s WTA finals in Riyadh
There was strong criticism of the WTA, led by two of its greatest-ever players, Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert, over the country’s human rights record after it was announced the WTA Finals would be played in Saudi Arabia.
The decision brought stability to an event that had been itinerant since a long-term deal with Shenzhen collapsed during the coronavirus epidemic, as well as record prize money.
But Saudi Arabia’s commitment to widespread investment in sport is changing, while instability in the Middle East is another factor, and the WTA has now looked elsewhere.
“Following two impactful years of the WTA Finals in Riyadh, the WTA requested to move the 2026 WTA Finals to a new host location,” read a joint statement from the WTA and the Saudi Tennis Federation.
Indian Wells will host this year’s WTA Finals
“The Saudi Tennis Federation accepted WTA’s proposal and the two organisations mutually agreed on the conclusion of the hosting arrangement and remain proud of the achievements realised through their partnership.”
A key justification for taking the event to Saudi Arabia was to boost sporting opportunities for women and girls in the country.
The statement continued: “The legacy of the partnership will continue through the communities reached, the opportunities created for women and girls, and the increased engagement with tennis generated over the past two years.”
Indian Wells already holds one of the biggest events outside of the grand slams, the BNP Paribas Open in March, and the leading women will now return to California for the tournament from November 8-15.
Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan (right) holds her trophy poses with runner up Aryna Sabalenka (left)
WTA chair Valerie Camillo said: “The Indian Wells Tennis Garden provides an exceptional stage for the WTA Finals.
“From its world-class facilities and passionate fan base to its proven ability to deliver premier tennis events, the venue offers everything needed to showcase the very best of women’s tennis.
“We are excited to bring the WTA Finals to southern California and continue building one of the premier championships in global sport.”
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