The Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund and WTA Introduce Maternity Benefits for Women Tennis Players
In a groundbreaking move, the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) and the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund have unveiled a new initiative to provide players with essential benefits for maternity and family planning. This initiative, announced on Thursday, aims to address the lack of maternity benefits in women’s tennis and cater to the needs of players.
One of the key features of this initiative is that eligible players will now be entitled to up to 12 months of paid maternity leave. In addition to this, players can also access grants to support fertility treatments and egg freezing. The WTA estimates that approximately 320 athletes will benefit from this new policy.
Portia Archer, CEO of the WTA, expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, “This initiative will provide the current and next generation of players the support and flexibility to explore family life, in whatever form they choose.”
The PIF WTA maternity fund program is unique in that it is the first and only maternity initiative in women’s sports to receive full funding and backing from an external partner. While the exact amount of funding from the PIF was not disclosed, both organizations have assured that players will be compensated fairly.
Earlier this year, the Saudi Public Investment Fund and the WTA entered into a multi-year partnership with the aim of increasing investments in sports. The PIF is also a financial supporter of the LIV Golf League.
While this partnership has faced criticism from some current and former players due to Saudi Arabia’s human rights record, this new policy could be seen as an attempt by the PIF to showcase a more progressive approach to American tennis fans.
With these changes, women’s tennis is aligning with the broader trend seen in professional women’s sports, where maternity benefits have become a key concern for athletes. This initiative marks a significant step forward for women in tennis and sets a new standard for the industry.
