Big changes are on the horizon for professional women’s tennis as the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) collaborates with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) to introduce a transformative maternity program. This initiative, announced recently, will offer players paid maternity leave and support for family planning, marking a significant advance in the sport’s approach to gender equality.
A Groundbreaking Initiative
The new program allows eligible players to access up to 12 months of paid maternity leave. Additionally, the initiative provides financial assistance for fertility treatments, including egg freezing. With approximately 320 players qualifying for this benefit, the program aims to support athletes navigating the challenges of family life alongside their professional careers.
Empowering Women in Sport
Portia Archer, the CEO of WTA, expressed enthusiasm for the program, emphasizing its importance for the current and future generations of female athletes. “This initiative will provide the support and flexibility for players to explore family life in various forms,” said Archer.
The PIF WTA maternity fund stands out as the first fully funded maternity program in women’s sports, demonstrating a unique partnership approach. Although details on the financial contributions from PIF remain undisclosed, both organizations have committed to equitable compensation for players.
In May, an official multiyear partnership was established between the WTA and PIF, in alignment with Saudi Arabia’s intentions to enhance its involvement in the global sports arena. This collaboration has also sparked discussions due to the Kingdom’s history of human rights issues, prompting some players to voice concerns about the implications of such partnerships.
A Shift in Women’s Sports
The movement toward improved maternity benefits reflects broader trends across women’s sports, where the topic has gained increasing attention. For example, the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) has secured full pay during maternity leave for its players, while FIFA and the National Women’s Soccer League have made significant strides in their maternity policies.
Former World No. 1 player Victoria Azarenka, who has been a persistent advocate for maternity pay in tennis since becoming a mother herself in 2016, welcomed the announcement. Serving on the players’ council, she noted, “This marks the beginning of a meaningful shift in how we support women in tennis, making it easier for athletes to pursue both their careers and aspirations for starting a family.”
With such advancements now being carried out in women’s sports, the new WTA initiative signifies a crucial step forward in addressing the needs of female athletes. As the conversation around maternity benefits continues to evolve, this program reflects a growing recognition of the importance of family alongside athletic commitments.
As the landscape of professional sports changes, the WTA’s new maternity policies resonate beyond tennis, symbolizing a commitment to promoting equality and support for women athletes globally.
