Full Breakdown
WTA Sets Prize-Money Parity for All Combined 1000 Events Starting 2027
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Milestone
The Women’s Tennis Association announced that, beginning in 2027, every combined WTA 1000 tournament will award women the same total prize money as men. The Italian Open in Rome will be the first of the former holdouts—along with the Canadian Open and the Cincinnati Open—to join the already-equal events at Indian Wells, Miami, Madrid, Beijing and the four Grand Slams. The change is presented as a “major milestone” for the tour.
Background & Context
Billie Jean King has long cited the 1970 Italian Open, where she earned $600 while men’s champion Ilie Nastase took $3,500, as a catalyst for creating the women’s professional circuit. In 2023, Italian Open organizers pledged equal prize money for 2025 but did not fulfill that promise. The 2027 parity finally aligns the Rome clay-court event with the founding vision of the WTA.
Data & Statistics
- 2023 men’s prize pool in Rome: $9.6 million; women’s prize pool: $8.3 million.
- The tour will reduce the required number of annual WTA 500 tournaments for top-50 players from six to four, creating a base commitment of 14 WTA events plus the four Grand Slams in 2027.
- An expanded WTA 250 tournament is slated for Manila, Philippines, reflecting growing interest in home player Alex Eala, ranked 18th.
Official Statements & Responses
The organization framed the 2027 changes as a one-year pilot, allowing the tour to assess impacts before deciding on 2028 policies.
What’s Next
The WTA will evaluate the pilot’s outcomes throughout 2027 and may adjust the schedule for future seasons. The WTA also confirmed that three events in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar will remain on the February calendar after moving the 2027 Finals from Saudi Arabia to Indian Wells.
Verbatim Quotes
- “As players, we’re on the road most of the year, so having more flexibility in our schedules and commitments makes a real difference,” — Jessica Pegula
- “The 2027 changes give us more ability to build our seasons around our own goals — competitively and personally. That’s an impactful step forward for players.” — The WTA
- “The WTA is stepping up to deliver more for players and tournaments in 2027,” — Valerie Camillo, WTA chair