WTA Finals to Move to Indian Wells in 2026
The WTA Finals will leave Saudi Arabia one year early and move to the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in California this November. The season-ending event, featuring the top eight singles players and doubles teams, has been held in Riyadh since 2024 under a three-year contract. It will now take place at the site of the Indian Wells Open, an ATP and WTA 1000 event, from 8 to 15 November 2026.
Joint Statement Confirms Mutual Agreement
In a joint statement, the WTA and Saudi Tennis Federation said: “Following two impactful years of the WTA Finals in Riyadh, the WTA requested to move the 2026 WTA Finals to a new host location. The Saudi Tennis Federation accepted WTA’s proposal, and the two organizations mutually agreed on the conclusion of the hosting arrangement and remain proud of the achievements realized through their partnership.”
Record Prize Money Under Saudi Tenure
Last year, Elena Rybakina received $5,235,000 after defeating Aryna Sabalenka in the final, earning the largest prize money payout in women's sports history. The event drew sell-out crowds in its final days, with attendance growing 20% year-on-year.
Controversy Over Saudi Hosting
The WTA's presence in Saudi Arabia sparked controversy, with critics accusing the tour of sportswashing. The WTA and Saudi Tennis Federation defended the event as promoting women's sport and tennis in the region, reaching over 30,000 people through community programs, including workshops for women coaches and tennis clinics for breast cancer survivors.
Saudi Arabia Expands Men's Tennis Presence
While the WTA Finals departs, Saudi Arabia will host a new ATP Masters 1000 tournament, likely starting in 2028. The WTA Finals has had a turbulent history, originally set for a 10-year contract in Shenzhen, China from 2019, which was canceled after the pandemic and the Peng Shuai disappearance. The event moved between Guadalajara, Fort Worth, and Cancún from 2021 to 2023.
