The WTA Finals will take place in Charlotte, North Carolina for a minimum of three years starting in 2027, as announced by the governing body for the women’s tour on Wednesday. The 2026 edition will be held in Indian Wells, California this November, following the termination of the agreement with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, which previously hosted the event in Riyadh.

The WTA has faced challenges in establishing a permanent venue for its flagship tournament, having experienced six hosts in seven editions. The partnership with the PIF ended prematurely this year, and a planned ten-year stay in Shenzhen, China was cut short after just one year. Valerie Camillo, WTA chair, expressed ambitions to elevate the tournament to “the Super Bowl of women’s sports.” However, she acknowledged that 2026 would represent a “year of transition” amid financial constraints.

Key points include:

• The WTA anticipates operating losses of $23 million in 2026.
• The end of the Saudi deal stemmed from geopolitical tensions and the PIF’s reduced spending on sports.
• The new structure in Charlotte will involve a public-private partnership with local entities, allowing the WTA to take greater control over the event.
• The 2027 Finals prize money has yet to be determined, but this year’s pot is $10 million.
• Camillo emphasized the goal of achieving equal prize money, exploring profit-sharing models with players.

The Finals will feature the top eight singles players and doubles teams, hosted at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, complemented by a fan festival at a nearby convention center. The WTA will also relocate its headquarters from St Petersburg, Florida to Charlotte.