Women’s Tennis to Reach Equal Prize Money at All Combined WTA 1000 Events in 2027

Women’s professional tennis is set to reach an important milestone in 2027, when every combined WTA 1000 tournament will offer the same total prize money to women and men.

The Women’s Tennis Association announced the change on October 1 as part of its 2027 calendar. The move will bring three remaining major combined events — the Italian Open in Rome, the Canadian Open and the Cincinnati Open — into line with other WTA 1000 tournaments that already offer equal prize money.

A Change Decades in the Making

The announcement comes nearly six decades after Billie Jean King won the women’s singles title at the Italian Open in 1970. At that time, she received $600, while men’s champion Ilie Nastase earned $3,500.

Since then, equal prize money has become an important goal in professional tennis. The WTA formally established a pathway toward equal prize money at major combined tournaments in 2023, with 2027 set as the target.

Which Events Will Join the Change?

The Italian Open, Canadian Open and Cincinnati Open will become the final combined WTA 1000 tournaments to introduce equal prize money.

They will join tournaments including Indian Wells, Miami, Madrid and Beijing, as well as the four Grand Slam tournaments, which already provide equal prize money between their men’s and women’s competitions.

A New Calendar for Players

The WTA also announced changes designed to give players greater flexibility during the season. From 2027, top-50 singles players will be required to compete in four WTA 500 tournaments instead of six.

Players will also be allowed to replace one eligible WTA 1000 result with a stronger result from a WTA 500 or WTA 250 tournament under the new ranking rules.

A Bigger Global Tour

The 2027 WTA calendar will feature 55 tournaments across 26 countries and territories. The season will also include a new WTA 250 tournament in Manila, Philippines.

The WTA Finals will move to Charlotte, North Carolina, for the first time and are scheduled to remain there through 2029.

Sources

• Women’s Tennis Association — “WTA announces 2027 calendar, equal prize money milestone, and player-tournament-led enhancements,” October 1, 2026.
• Reuters — “WTA announces equal prize money across all combined 1000 tournaments from 2027,” October 1, 2026.
• Associated Press — “WTA Ensures Equal Prize Money At All Major Events,” October 1, 2026.
• The Guardian — “Women’s tennis tour announces prize money parity with men’s events,” October 1, 2026.