The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) announced a new initiative supported by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund that offers 12 months of paid maternity leave to pregnant players. For athletes becoming parents through methods like partner pregnancy, surrogacy, or adoption, the program extends two months of paid leave. Portia Archer, CEO of the WTA, highlighted this as unprecedented for independent contractors and self-employed individuals who typically lack such benefits.
This program is accessible to over 300 eligible players, with its coverage retroactive to January 1st. The exact financial details of the fund remain undisclosed by the WTA. Touted as a pioneering move in women’s sports, the program also provides financial support for fertility treatments, including egg freezing and in vitro fertilization (IVF).
This development reflects a broader trend as women’s sports gain prominence, emphasizing support for maternity and parental needs. Currently, the WTA notes that 25 mothers are active on tour, with Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Belinda Bencic claiming a title last month after her return from maternity leave in October. Notably, numerous tennis players have resumed competition post-childbirth, including stars like Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka, Kim Clijsters, Caroline Wozniacki, and Victoria Azarenka.
Azarenka, a WTA Players’ Council member, expressed optimism that the fund will provide financial flexibility, enabling athletes to take necessary time off without income loss concerns. “The aim is to provide financial resources and support, especially for lower-ranked or lower-earning players, so they can decide when and how to start their families,” Archer commented. Azarenka anticipates that this initiative might encourage players to consider parenthood before retiring from the sport.
Feedback from athletes, regardless of parental status, has been overwhelmingly positive. “This is an incredible opportunity for us,” said Azarenka, a two-time Australian Open champion and mother of an eight-year-old son named Leo. She believes this could spark a significant shift in conversations around sports and beyond, promoting a global dialogue.
This maternity fund is one of the WTA’s broader efforts aimed at supporting players. The association’s recent steps include promoting women in coaching roles, implementing safeguarding measures, combating cyberbullying, and pursuing equal prize money with men.
The Public Investment Fund’s involvement with the WTA began last year, despite controversies involving LGBTQ+ and women’s rights in Saudi Arabia, as noted by critics such as Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova. The kingdom now hosts the WTA Finals and supports both WTA and ATP rankings. Archer acknowledged that without the PIF’s contribution, these benefits wouldn’t be feasible.
In comparison, other sports offer varying degrees of parental benefits. The LPGA in golf updated its maternity leave policy in 2019, allowing athletes to maintain playing status upon return. In soccer, agreements from the NWSL and the U.S. women’s national team ensure salary payments during pregnancy. The WNBA guarantees full pay for maternity leave.
For the tennis world, Azarenka regards the PIF WTA Maternity Fund Program as “just the beginning.” She envisions continued growth, stating, “It’s an incredible beginning. Monumental change. But I think we can look into how we can expand this fund for bigger, better things.”
