The WTA and its Saudi partners have announced a major move as female stars will receive paid maternity leave for the first time in tennis history.
Since Saudi’s PIF officially became involved with women’s tennis last year, the WTA has been adamant that the partnership will help the game grow.
And today, they announced a move that will certainly be welcomed very much by female players as more than 320 players will be eligible for paid maternity leave for up to 12 months – the amount hasn’t been disclosed – but it will be fully funded by the PIF.
Also, there will be funds for fertility treatments.
However, there are some requirements that need to be met – and that is playing in a minimum number of tournaments over a certain period.
The WTA and PIF statements
“Independent contractors and self-employed individuals don’t typically have these kinds of maternity benefits provided and available to them. They have to go out and sort of figure out those benefits for themselves,” WTA CEO Portia Archer said.
“This is really sort of novel and groundbreaking.”
In their statement, the PIF officials reiterated their goal to help the WTA grow as a sport.
“PIF partnerships are designed to elevate every level of sport and leave a legacy of transformative impact on a global scale. Our partnership with WTA is built on a shared ambition, aligned with PIF’s vision, purpose and values.” Head of Events and Sponsorships at PIF Alanoud Althonayan said.
“The PIF WTA Maternity Fund Program — a first-of-its-kind and the only maternity program in women’s sports to be fully funded and supported by an external partner — opens new pathways to motherhood while creating a more inclusive environment where athletes can thrive in both their professional and personal lives.”
Over the last several years, several well-known have taken maternity leave and then made successful comebacks.
That list includes stars such as Naomi Osaka, Caroline Wozniacki, Serena Williams, Belinda Bencic, Petra Kvitova, etc.
Tennis World USA