The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), the principal organising body of women’s professional tennis, and the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia have joined forces in a multi-year partnership.
This strategic alliance aims to elevate women’s professional tennis to a global phenomenon, inspiring future generations of female players and nurturing talent at all levels.
The partnership marks a historic first. PIF has become the inaugural naming partner of the WTA Rankings, which will now be known as the PIF WTA Rankings.
Additionally, PIF has joined the WTA as a global partner. This collaboration aligns perfectly with PIF’s existing initiatives supporting women in sports, emphasising inclusivity, sustainability, youth development, and technological advancement.
This partnership has further solidified the bond between the WTA and Saudi Arabia. The prestigious WTA Finals will be hosted in Riyadh for the next three years, starting in 2024. This signifies a shared commitment to the future of women’s tennis. PIF will actively collaborate with the WTA to expand existing programs and develop new opportunities for aspiring female players.
Marina Storti, CEO of WTA Ventures, said, “We are delighted to welcome PIF as a Global Partner of the WTA and our first-ever official naming partner of the WTA Rankings. Together, we look forward to sharing the journey of our talented players across the season, as we continue to grow the sport, creating more fans of tennis and inspiring more young people to take up the game.”
Mohamed AlSayyad, Head of Corporate Brand at PIF, said, “Through our partnership with WTA, PIF will continue to be a catalyst for the growth of women’s sport. We look forward to working with the WTA to increase participation and inspire the next generation of talent. Underpinned by PIF’s four strategic sponsorship pillars, this partnership aligns with our ambition to elevate the game and bring positive growth to the sport around the world.”
This collaboration builds on PIF’s growing presence in the sports industry. Notably, the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia has also secured the naming rights for the ATP Rankings and partnered with various tournaments through its earlier partnership with the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP).
Additionally, PIF’s investments in sports extend beyond tennis. In October 2021, the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia marked its entry into the Premier League (PL) with a £300 million investment in Newcastle United FC. Furthermore, PIF’s division, Golf Saudi, played a key role in establishing the LIV Golf professional tour (formerly known as the Super Golf League) through LIV Golf Investments.