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WTA Shifts 2026 Finals to Indian Wells Amid Saudi Tensions

7/2/2026

Summary

WTA Moves Finals

The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) moved the 2026 Finals to Indian Wells, California, for November 8-15 after ending its Saudi partnership.
The WTA cited the war and Middle-East tension, including Israeli-U.S. attacks on Iran and strikes on Saudi Arabia, as unsafe.
The Saudi Tennis Federation accepted the move, with the stopgap set to use Indian Wells’ outdoor venue that also hosts the BNP Paribas Open each March.

Summary

Fund Cuts Ties

The Investment Fund shifted $5 billion from LIV Golf, ending the Saudi WTA Finals partnership.
Navratilova and Evert condemned the partnership over Saudi human-rights abuses.
Jessica Pegula called “unfortunate” but will try to attend November event while Coco Gauff hopes the Finals find a home.
Elena Rybakina earned $5.23 million and Aryna Sabalenka $2.7 million in 2025, the biggest payouts in women’s sport, as Saudi federation reported 30,000 people reached by its programs.

Summary

WTA Opens Tickets

Ticket sales for the 2026 WTA Finals open to the public on Thursday, July 2 via wtafinals.com, after a pre-sale to select groups.
Philippe Dore, chief marketing officer of Indian Wells Tennis Garden, said the Finals let the venue celebrate women’s tennis at the BNP Paribas Open.
The 2026 Finals are the first Southern California staging since the tour’s Los Angeles run ended in 2005, part of a six-venue, eight-year pattern since 2019.

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WTA Moves Finals

The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) moved the 2026 Finals to Indian Wells, California, for November 8-15 after ending its Saudi partnership.
The WTA cited the war and Middle-East tension, including Israeli-U.S. attacks on Iran and strikes on Saudi Arabia, as unsafe.
The Saudi Tennis Federation accepted the move, with the stopgap set to use Indian Wells’ outdoor venue that also hosts the BNP Paribas Open each March.

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