Breaking: WTA Finals to Leave Saudi Arabia and Find a New Home

As the WTA leaves Riyadh, Bounces can report a leading candidate city for its showcase event's relocation.

In my time around the Miami Open last week, one of the most intriguing things I learned was about the WTA being ready to make a big move—and to close a controversial chapter in its history.

Bounces can report that the WTA is looking for a new host for its signature year-end championships event, the WTA Finals, departing the Saudi Arabian market which they entered to considerable debate two years ago.

The WTA’s plan to depart the desert comes despite WTA chief executive Portia Archer indicating interest last year in extending the WTA’s controversial stay in Riyadh beyond the original three-year deal that ends this year.

“We signed on for a three-year term; we’d actually enjoy being here for even longer than we have been, or than we are agreed to be here,” Archer told The Athletic last year, adding that talks were ongoing to extend the Saudi stint beyond its initial run of 2024 to 2026.

Those talks between the WTA and the Saudi Tennis Federation did not ultimately lead to a renewal for Riyadh, Bounces can report. This year will be the final edition of the WTA Finals in Riyadh, and the WTA has been looking elsewhere for the next home for its elite eight-player event.

Bounces can also report which leading candidate city in North America appears to be leading the hunt to host the WTA Finals in 2027 and beyond.

To find out what city that is—and to learn more about the direction women’s tennis is headed in for its future—please become a paid subscriber to Bounces!