WTA Reveals Plan for More Equal Pay , Between Women and Men.
The Women's Tennis Association (WTA)
made the announcement on June 27,
'The Washington Post' reports.
Players of both genders currently only receive equal prize money at some events.
The WTA's new plan will ensure equal pay
at all professional events by 2033.
Fifty years after the players found strength in unity, I’m proud the WTA continues to be a global leader focused on providing opportunities, and hope that women in other sports and walks of life are inspired by its example, Billie Jean King, WTA founder, via statement.
By 2027, WTA-ATP 1000 and 500 tournaments will award the same prize money for men and women.
During these tournaments, both men and women compete at the same location.
For WTA 1000 and 500 tournaments that are held at different locations than men, equal prize money will be awarded by 2033.
The changes will happen gradually "to ensure" that they "are sustainable for players and tournaments in the long term.".
More annual WTA 1000 events will be added and entry rules will be changed so that the best players will be allowed to participate.
To put the pay divide into perspective,
Novak Djokovic won over $900,000 at the Italian Open last year, while Iga Swiatek won $365,000.
To put the pay divide into perspective,
Novak Djokovic won over $900,000 at the Italian Open last year, while Iga Swiatek won $365,000.
Every generation contributes to preserving the future of their sport, striving to leave it in a better state for the next. I take pride in being a part of this evolution and fully support the WTA’s commitment to progress, Sloane Stephens, a member of the WTA Players’ Council, via statement