In a significant development for women's tennis, the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) and the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) have announced a new program aimed at providing maternity and family planning benefits for players. This initiative, revealed on February 18, 2025, will offer eligible players up to 12 months of paid maternity leave and grants for fertility treatments and egg freezing. The WTA estimates that around 320 players will benefit from this program, which is notable as women's tennis is among the last professional sports to implement such measures.
Portia Archer, CEO of the WTA, emphasized the importance of this initiative in supporting players' family life choices. The program is unique in that it is entirely funded by an external partner, marking a first in women's sports. While the exact financial contribution from the PIF remains undisclosed, the organizations assert that players will receive equal compensation.
The partnership between the WTA and PIF was established in May 2024 and has drawn scrutiny due to Saudi Arabia's history of human rights issues. Some players have expressed concerns regarding this collaboration, viewing it as a potential attempt by the PIF to improve its image in the realm of sports.
Former WTA No. 1 Victoria Azarenka, who has been a longstanding advocate for maternity benefits, welcomed the announcement, suggesting it represents a meaningful shift in support for female athletes. The broader context includes recent advancements in maternity benefits within other professional women's sports, such as the WNBA and FIFA, indicating a growing recognition of the importance of family planning support for athletes.