Women’s Tennis Association introduces paid maternity leave for players

Sports News Blitz writer Shameeka Voyiya reports on a groundbreaking shift in women’s tennis, as the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) unveils a paid maternity leave initiative in partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).

This move addresses a long-standing gap in professional sports, ensuring female players receive essential family planning support.

A step toward gender equity

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) is set to finance a joint initiative with its global partner, the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA).

The initiative will provide players with paid maternity leave and benefits for family planning.

The announcement was made by the organisations on Thursday, March 6, highlighting a critical move towards gender equity in the sport.

Women’s tennis is still one of the few professional sports that lack these benefits, with players being previously vocal about their needs as maternity benefits increasingly become a significant concern for women athletes.

Comprehensive support for players

Through the PIF WTA Maternity Fund Programme, WTA says around 320 players will be entitled to the same, undisclosed fee, irrespective of their world ranking.

Grants will also be distributed for fertility treatment such as egg freezing and IVF. At the same time, the programme includes two months of paid leave for players who become a parent through partner pregnancy, surrogacy or adoption.

To be eligible for this initiative, players will need to have completed a minimum of eight WTA tournaments in the previous 12 months, or 24 over the previous 36 months.

“This initiative will provide the current and next generation of players the support and flexibility to explore family life, in whatever form they choose,” Portia Archer, WTA CEO, said in a statement.

According to the WTA, the maternity fund program represents the first and only maternity initiative in women’s sports to receive full funding from an external partner.

While the PIF did not disclose the amount contributed to the initiative, both organisations affirmed that players will be compensated fairly.

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Voices of support from tennis icons

Former world No 1 Victoria Azarenka, who sits on the WTA Players' Council and has an eight-year-old son, said that she’s “honoured to introduce this programme, driven by players, and made possible with the support of PIF and the WTA.

“This marks the beginning of a meaningful shift in how we support women in tennis, making it easier for athletes to pursue both their careers and their aspirations of starting a family.

“Ensuring that programmes like this exist has been a personal mission of mine, and I'm excited to see the lasting impact it will have for generations to come.”

Alanoud Althonayan, the head of events and sponsorships at PIF, said:

“The PIF WTA Maternity Fund Programme - a first-of-its-kind and the only maternity program in women's sports to be fully funded and supported by an external partner - opens new pathways to motherhood while creating a more inclusive environment where athletes can thrive in both their professional and personal lives.”

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