All combined WTA 1000 tournaments will award women and men equal ‌prize money from 2027, the Women’s Tennis Association ‌said on Thursday, with the Italian Open and other ​major events joining the rest of the category in offering the same pay-outs.

In 2027 – nearly six decades after Billie Jean King won the Italian Open at the Foro Italico – the Rome clay-court event will finally award women the same amount of total prize money as men as part a “major milestone” initiative.

It means that all combined WTA 1000 events will award equal prize money for the first time.

The move brings the Canadian Open, ‌Cincinnati Open and Italian Open into line with other combined ​1000-level events at Indian Wells, Miami, Madrid and China, as well as the United Cup and ​the four Grand Slams, in offering ⁠equal prize money to ⁠women and men.

“Achieving equal prize money across all combined WTA 1000 tournaments is a major milestone for tennis,” WTA chair Valerie Camillo said.

“It demonstrates the WTA’s continued commitment to leading the sports industry in delivering our athletes competitive and financial equality and is a testament to the enduring nature of the founding vision of the WTA.”

The 2027 WTA calendar will feature 55 tournaments across ⁠26 countries and territories, while ​the season-ending WTA Finals will be staged in ​its new home of Charlotte, North Carolina, in an NBA arena for at least three years from 2027.

The Alex Eala effect

Also announced for next year was an expanded WTA 250-level tournament in Manila, Philippines, amid massive interest surrounding home player Alex Eala.

The number of annual WTA 500-level tournaments required for players ranked in the top 50 was reduced from six to four, resulting in a total base playing commitment of 14 WTA tournaments plus the four Grand Slams in 2027.

“The WTA is stepping up to deliver more for players and tournaments in 2027,” Camillo said. “We have listened to player feedback on the demands of the calendar and responded with a meaningful reduction in commitments.”

Key changes approved by the WTA Board for the 2027 season include:

• Reducing the number of WTA 500-level tournaments to be played by top 50-ranked singles players in a year from six to four, resulting in a total base playing commitment of 14 WTA tournaments plus the four Grand Slams in the 2027 Tour season.
• Allowing players to replace one eligible WTA 1000 tournament result with a stronger WTA 500 or 250 result on their ranking.

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