Charlotte to Host WTA Finals and Women's Tennis Association Headquarters

U.S. tennis star Coco Gauff and other elite players are expected to participate in the tournament, which is one of the sport’s most prestigious events after the Grand Slam tournaments. Will Pitts, CEO of the Charlotte Sports Foundation, described the announcement as a transformational moment for both Charlotte and the organization, emphasizing the city’s growing status as a premier sports destination.

Governor Josh Stein noted that a $14.4 million state grant helped secure the tournament for Charlotte. The WTA, which will move its headquarters from St. Petersburg, Florida to Charlotte, will further enhance the city’s reputation as a hub for sports governance, adding to its existing sports organizations such as the Atlantic Coast Conference and the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association.

The WTA Finals feature the top eight singles players and doubles teams and are known for their importance within women’s professional tennis. The news was first reported by the Sports Business Journal.

Charlotte has previously held exhibition matches with top players and nearly secured the Western & Southern Open in 2023, but that opportunity fell through when the tournament opted to remain in Cincinnati. Stein is expected to attend a ceremony at the Spectrum Center this afternoon to celebrate the announcement.