Saudi Arabia to become official sponsor of WTA women’s tennis rankings – NBC New York

Saudi Arabia’s foray into the world of tennis continues to make waves as the kingdom secures a multiyear deal to sponsor the WTA women’s rankings. The announcement comes on the heels of Saudi Arabia’s partnership agreement with the WTA, following the news that the kingdom will host the tour’s season-ending championships in Riyadh and its sponsorship of the ATP men’s rankings.

The Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia is the first naming-rights partner for the WTA rankings, marking a significant milestone in the sport. The partnership also includes plans to promote tennis at grassroots levels, signaling a commitment to growing the sport in the region.

The move has sparked debate within the tennis community, with some advocating for engagement with Saudi Arabia and others expressing concerns over the kingdom’s human rights record. Despite the controversy, the WTA Finals will be held in Saudi Arabia as part of a three-year deal that will see a substantial increase in prize money for the championship.

Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in tennis is evident with the ATP Tour moving its Next Gen Finals to Jedda and top players like Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic participating in events in the kingdom. Discussions are also underway to potentially host a top-tier Masters 1000 tournament in Saudi Arabia, signaling a possible restructuring of the tennis landscape.

As Saudi Arabia continues to make strides in the world of tennis, the sport is set to witness new opportunities and challenges in the years to come.