WTA Introduces Paid Maternity Leave for Professional Tennis Players

The groundbreaking program, funded by Saudi Arabia's PIF, offers financial support for over 300 players during and after pregnancy.

The WTA has launched a paid maternity leave program, providing up to 12 months of financial support for pregnant players and new mothers.
Over 300 professional tennis players are eligible for this initiative, which is retroactive to January 1, 2025.
The program also includes financial aid for players experiencing parenthood through adoption or partners' pregnancies, with two months of support available.
Funding for the program comes from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), which has faced criticism for alleged 'sportswashing' due to the country's human rights record.
WTA CEO Portia Archer described the initiative as historic, emphasizing its importance for self-employed athletes who traditionally lack access to such benefits.