WTA Launches Groundbreaking Maternity Program with PIF Support

A New Era for Motherhood on Tour

The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) has ushered in a transformative era for player parents with the announcement of a revolutionary maternity program. This first-of-its-kind initiative, unveiled on March 6, 2025, offers eligible pregnant players 12 months of paid maternity leave. Players expanding their families through partner pregnancy, surrogacy, or adoption will receive a two-month paid leave. Furthermore, the program provides grants for fertility treatments, including egg freezing and IVF, marking a significant step towards supporting players' family planning decisions.

Financial Security and Player Empowerment

This landmark program, sponsored by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), covers 320 eligible players and is retroactive to January 1, 2025. While payment specifics remain undisclosed, payments will be disbursed monthly to players meeting specific participation criteria based on the number of tournaments played in prior years.

WTA CEO Portia Archer, speaking at the BNP Paribas Open, emphasized the player-driven nature of the initiative, highlighting its potential to reshape the landscape of professional tennis for women. "This will give players the agency, the opportunity, the flexibility, the financial resources and the support to be able to decide when and how they want to build or extend their family," Archer stated.

Addressing Past Inequality for Independent Contractors

Previously, tennis players, classified as independent contractors, lacked the maternity leave benefits commonly offered to traditional employees. This program rectifies that disparity, offering much-needed financial support and the freedom to prioritize family without jeopardizing their careers.

A Champion's Perspective

Four-time Grand Slam champion Kim Clijsters, a PIF ambassador, celebrated the announcement, especially for lower-ranked players who previously faced difficult financial decisions regarding starting a family. "I was in a very lucky, fortunate situation... But a lot of players don't have that luxury," Clijsters told ESPN. "So the fact that now... 320 players will be eligible to use the program, I think is amazing."

"I don't want to be the last one," Clijsters added, expressing her hope for future major champions who are also mothers.

PIF Partnership and Future Implications

Archer credited both the WTA Players' Council, including member Victoria Azarenka, and the PIF for their collaboration. The PIF, the WTA's global partner since 2024, also sponsors the WTA Finals, ATP Next Gen Finals, and the WTA and ATP rankings.

Addressing the Controversy

The involvement of the PIF has drawn criticism given Saudi Arabia's human rights record, particularly concerning women and LGBTQ+ individuals. While Archer acknowledged the potential skepticism, she underscored the groundbreaking nature of the program and its potential to positively impact players' lives.

Archer expressed her aspiration for other professional sports leagues to emulate or enhance their maternity programs. While there are no current plans for tournament daycare, the WTA's immediate focus is on the successful implementation of this transformative maternity program.