The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) has introduced a groundbreaking maternity leave program, becoming the first international sports body to offer up to 12 months of paid leave for players. The initiative, funded by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), also includes grants for fertility treatments such as egg freezing and IVF.
This policy will benefit at least 320 of the world’s top players, allowing them to take time off while maintaining financial stability. Additionally, two months of paid leave will be available for those who become parents through partner pregnancy, surrogacy, or adoption.
A key advocate for this program has been two-time Grand Slam winner Victoria Azarenka, who serves on the WTA players’ council. She emphasized the overwhelmingly positive response from fellow players, noting that many were surprised and excited by the initiative. According to her, this program was driven by player advocacy and is expected to set a precedent for other sports.
Azarenka, who gave birth to her son in 2016, reflected on the long journey to making this initiative a reality. She expressed pride in reaching this milestone and believes it is only the beginning of broader discussions on family planning, maternity leave, and parental rights in sports. She hopes the program will inspire other organizations to recognize the importance of supporting athletes who wish to start a family.
To qualify for assistance, players must meet certain competitive criteria. They need to have participated in at least eight WTA tournaments, including Grand Slams, within the previous 12 months, with a minimum of four events at the WTA 250 level or above. Another eligibility path includes competing in at least 24 WTA tournaments over the past three years, with at least 12 at WTA 250 level or higher.
Notably, the financial support will be equal for all eligible players, regardless of their ranking, though the exact amount will depend on which eligibility criteria they meet.
While it remains uncommon for active WTA players to have children, several high-profile athletes, including Naomi Osaka, Elina Svitolina, Caroline Wozniacki, Belinda Bencic, and Taylor Townsend, have successfully balanced parenthood with their professional careers.
WTA Chief Executive Portia Archer emphasized that this program will provide athletes with more flexibility in choosing when to start their families. She noted that players will now have financial security and the necessary support to make informed decisions without jeopardizing their careers. This initiative is particularly significant for lower-ranked players who do not earn as much as top stars.
Archer also highlighted the WTA’s history of pioneering advancements in women’s sports, describing this maternity program as another step forward. She pointed out that self-employed athletes, often classified as independent contractors, have historically lacked access to such benefits. The inclusion of paid maternity and parental leave, along with fertility preservation grants, marks a new standard in women’s sports.
Despite some concerns regarding the involvement of PIF, given broader discussions on human rights issues, Archer maintained that the fund has been fully supportive of the initiative. She emphasized that the program aligns with the WTA’s goal of empowering women and creating long-term progress through sports.
A representative from PIF, Alanoud Althonayan, expressed similar sentiments, stating that the fund’s sports partnerships are designed to create lasting impact and elevate all levels of competition. She highlighted a shared vision between PIF and the WTA, reinforcing the importance of providing resources for female athletes.
This initiative represents a significant shift in professional sports, ensuring that tennis players can pursue both their careers and family aspirations without financial insecurity. It is expected to influence other sports organizations to introduce similar policies, ultimately promoting greater gender equity in athletics.
