In a groundbreaking move, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has secured a multiyear deal to sponsor the WTA women’s rankings. This partnership marks a significant milestone for both the WTA and the Saudi Arabian sports landscape.
The WTA announced the partnership on Monday, highlighting the PIF as the first-ever naming-rights partner for the WTA rankings. This deal is part of a broader strategy by Saudi Arabia to enhance its presence in the global tennis arena. Last month, it was revealed that the kingdom will host the WTA’s season-ending championships in Riyadh starting this year, a testament to Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in the sport. This follows February’s announcement of PIF’s sponsorship of the ATP men’s rankings.
The tennis world is currently engulfed in a heated debate over whether the sport should follow in the footsteps of golf and other disciplines by forging deals with Saudi Arabia, a country criticized by human rights organizations for its treatment of women and LGBT individuals. Prominent figures in the tennis community are divided on the issue.
