WTA Finals Move to Indian Wells After Two Years in Riyadh

The WTA announced Thursday that the 2026 WTA Finals will take place in Indian Wells, California, ending a two-year hosting agreement with the Saudi Tennis Federation. The WTA said the partnership with the Saudi Tennis Federation had increased visibility for women's tennis in Saudi Arabia and produced 20 percent year-on-year growth in attendance, including sell-out crowds on the final days.

The WTA Finals were previously held in Singapore from 2014 to 2018, in China in 2019, and in Mexico in 2021. The WTA stated that the Saudi Tennis Federation accepted its proposal to conclude the Riyadh arrangement and that both organizations remain proud of the partnership's achievements.

Elena Rybakina, the undefeated singles champion at the 2025 WTA Finals in Riyadh, received a record $5,235,000, the largest prize money payout in women's sports history. Runner-up Aryna Sabalenka earned $2,695,000. Jessica Pegula said in 2024 that any arrangement with Saudi Arabia would need to show clear benefits for women's sports or women's rights before players could feel comfortable participating.