ROME (AP) — In a significant advancement for gender equality in sports, the WTA Tour announced that starting in 2027, the Italian Open will offer equal total prize money for male and female players. This change marks a pivotal achievement nearly six decades after Billie Jean King won the tournament in 1970, earning $600 compared to Ilie Nastase's $3,500 for the men's title.
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With this initiative, all combined WTA 1000 events will award equal prize money for the first time. Previously, the Italian Open, along with the Canadian Open and Cincinnati Open, had not implemented this policy, while combined events in Indian Wells, California; Miami; Madrid; Beijing; and all four Grand Slams already provide equal payouts.
WTA chair Valerie Camillo described this announcement as a major milestone, reaffirming the organization's commitment to promoting competitive and financial equality in the sport. In 2023, the prize money disparity was evident, with the total for men at this year's Italian Open at $9.6 million, while women received $8.3 million.
Additionally, the WTA revealed plans for an expanded WTA 250-level tournament in Manila in 2024, taking advantage of rising interest around local player Alex Eala, currently ranked 18th. Earlier this year, the Philippines hosted a WTA 125-level event.
The WTA also announced a reduction in the annual number of WTA 500 tournaments required for top 50 ranked players, from six to four, resulting in a total of 14 WTA tournaments and the four Grand Slams in the 2027 season. These updates aim to provide players with greater flexibility in scheduling.
Camillo noted that the changes are a response to player feedback, prioritizing their needs. Jessica Pegula, the third-ranked player and chair of the tour's architecture council, emphasized the significance of the adjustments for players managing their commitments throughout the season.
The WTA plans to pilot these changes in 2027 to assess their impact and make informed decisions for the future.