The GIST: Saudi Arabia has reportedly offered $2B to unite the WTA and ATP Tours in a new attempt at sportswashing, diverting attention from their human rights record through sports.
The context: The WTA is facing financial difficulties, leading to discussions about merging with the ATP in a new Premium Tour model. The Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) has offered financial support to the WTA in exchange for hosting key tournaments like the WTA Finals.
Players like Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert have criticized the potential partnership due to Saudi Arabia’s repressive laws against women and the LGBTQIA+ community. Other unnamed players on the WTA Tour also oppose holding tournaments in the country.
The PIF’s offer includes a 90-day deadline for the WTA to make a decision. Talks between top female players and Saudi Arabia’s Princess Reema bint Bandar Al-Saud regarding women’s rights in the country are reportedly in progress.
Looking at the bigger picture, the PIF has already partnered with the ATP Tour and signed Rafael Nadal as a Saudi Tennis Federation ambassador. This significant investment could reshape tennis for both men and women, similar to the impact of LIV Golf’s arrival in 2022.
