WTA announces 2027 reforms including prize money parity

The WTA has announced major structural changes for the 2027 season, headlined by the achievement of full prize money parity across all combined WTA 1000 tournaments. This milestone ensures that events such as the Italian Open, Canadian Open, and Cincinnati Open will offer identical total prize money to both men and women, joining existing equal-pay events in Indian Wells, Miami, Madrid, and Beijing.

In addition to financial equality, the WTA is implementing calendar reforms to address player fatigue and scheduling demands. Developed by the Tour Architecture Council and chaired by world No. 3 Jessica Pegula, the changes include reducing the number of mandatory WTA 500 tournaments for top 50 players from six to four. Players will also gain the flexibility to substitute one WTA 1000 result with a stronger performance from a WTA 500 or 250 event in their rankings.

The 2027 calendar also features geographic expansions and shifts, including a new WTA 250 tournament in Manila, Philippines, driven by the rising popularity of local star Alex Eala. Furthermore, the WTA Finals are set to debut in Charlotte, North Carolina, marking the start of a three-year cycle for the event.