WTA Players to Receive Paid Maternity Leave Under Saudi-Funded Program

In a landmark move for women's sports, the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) has announced a new program that will provide paid maternity leave to its players. Financed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), the initiative marks the first time in women's sports history that comprehensive maternity benefits are available to independent, self-employed athletes.

The PIF WTA Maternity Fund Program, effective retroactively to Jan. 1, will offer up to 12 months of paid maternity leave for pregnant players. Additionally, players who become parents through partner pregnancy, surrogacy, or adoption will receive two months of paid leave. The program also includes grants for fertility treatments, such as egg freezing and in-vitro fertilization (IVF). More than 320 WTA players are eligible for the fund. The WTA has not disclosed the specific amount of money involved.

A Defining Moment for Women's Sports

WTA CEO Portia Archer hailed the program as "novel and groundbreaking," emphasizing that independent contractors and self-employed individuals typically do not have access to such benefits. She noted the challenges of balancing a professional tennis career with the demands of motherhood and family life. The program aims to provide financial resources, flexibility, and support, allowing athletes to decide when and how they want to start their families.

The WTA has emphasized that this program is the first of its kind in women's sports to be fully funded and supported by an external partner. The initiative is part of the WTA's broader Family Focus Program, designed to empower players to combine family life with their professional careers. This program includes special rankings that protect a player's ranking position during pregnancy and postpartum, allowing them to return at the same level for up to three years after giving birth, or up to two years following another means of parenthood, such as guardianship. Since the introduction of special rankings after returning from pregnancy in 2019, 50 players have benefited.

Azarenka's Advocacy and Player Support

Former world No. 1 Victoria Azarenka, a member of the WTA Players' Council, has been a strong advocate for maternity rights. She stated that ensuring programs like this exist has been a personal mission. Azarenka believes these benefits will encourage lower-ranked or lower-earning athletes to take the time they need after becoming a parent, without worrying about losing income. She also suggested that this could lead some players to decide to become parents before retiring from the sport.

The WTA Players' Council played a key role in pushing for the fund, identifying maternity support as a crucial area for improvement. Archer acknowledged the council's significant role in shaping the policy and its underlying concept.

Saudi Arabia's Growing Role in Tennis

The PIF became the WTA's global partner in May 2024. This partnership has faced scrutiny due to concerns about LGBTQ+ and women's rights in Saudi Arabia. Despite the criticism, the WTA maintains that the relationship with PIF has enabled them to provide these benefits.

Saudi Arabia is increasing its presence in professional tennis. The kingdom now hosts the season-ending WTA Finals and an ATP event for rising stars of men's tennis. The PIF also sponsors the WTA and ATP rankings.

Alanoud Althonayan, Head of Events and Sponsorships at PIF, stated that their partnership with the WTA is built on a shared ambition and aligned with PIF's vision, purpose, and values. She emphasized that the PIF WTA Maternity Fund Program opens new pathways to motherhood while creating a more inclusive environment for athletes.

Maternity Policies in Other Sports

Other sports have also implemented maternity leave policies. In golf, the LPGA introduced an updated policy in 2019 that allows athletes to have the same playing status when they return. In soccer, both the NWSL and the U.S. women's national team have collective bargaining agreements that allow for pregnancy leave and parental leave. The NWSL pays the full base salary while an athlete is pregnant. In basketball, the WNBA's CBA guarantees full pay during maternity leave.

Sportswashing Accusations

Saudi Arabia's increasing investment in sports has drawn criticism, with accusations of "sportswashing" – using sports to improve its international reputation and distract from human rights issues. Critics argue that these investments obscure systemic issues such as restrictions on free speech, women's rights, and labor practices.

Despite these concerns, Saudi Arabia continues to invest in sports, viewing it as a strategic tool for reshaping its global perception and diversifying its economy. The country is set to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup and has expressed interest in hosting the 2036 Olympic Games.

A Step Forward for Women in Tennis

The PIF WTA Maternity Fund Program represents a significant step forward for women in tennis, providing crucial support for players who want to balance their careers with family life. While concerns remain about Saudi Arabia's human rights record, the WTA maintains that this partnership has enabled them to offer groundbreaking benefits to their players. The program is expected to have a lasting impact on the sport, empowering current and future generations of women tennis players.