The WTA Finals are set to leave Saudi Arabia from 2027.
After a three-year stint in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the year-end championships will move elsewhere next year.
Charlotte, North Carolina, looked to be the frontrunner, but a European city has now emerged as a potential replacement…
The WTA Finals could be moved to Gdansk, Poland
As reported by ‘Prezglad Sportowy‘, the WTA Finals could be moving to Gdansk, Poland’s sixth-largest city.
“Charlotte [North Carolina] is said to be the favourite,” they wrote.
“According to our information, this is only partly true. Gdansk’s stock is also at an equally high level, and the WTA may be tempted to return to Europe.”
The report proceeded to suggest that Gdansk and Charlotte are the only two host cities in the running.
“The WTA held its first talks with interested parties to take over at the end of 2025. According to our information, the Polish Tennis Association was in serious contention from the very beginning, alongside Charlotte and Prague,” they said.
“Today, just weeks before the final decision, the Czechs dropped out of the running. Only the United States and Poland remain. The license is valid for at least three years (2027–2029).
“The decision is expected by the end of April, and will be announced no later than the Roland Garros tournament in Paris”
ERGO Arena would stage the event, and the venue has already been green-lit by WTA officials after preliminary inspections.
ERGO Arena information
- Located in Gdansk, Poland
- 11,409 capacity (Fourth-largest indoor arena in Poland)
The WTA Finals have only been held in Europe six times in the event’s 54-year history.
But what better time than now to bring the year-end championships back to the continent?
History of the WTA Finals
| Year(s) | City | Country | Venue | Capacity | Surface |
| 1972-1973 | Boca Raton | United States | Boca Raton Hotel & Club | – | Clay |
| 1974-1976 | Los Angeles | United States | Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena | 14,800 | Carpet |
| 1977 | New York City | United States | Madison Square Garden | 18,000 | Carpet |
| 1978 | Oakland | United States | Oakland Arena | 13,200 | Carpet |
| 1979-2000 | New York City | United States | Madison Square Garden | 18,000 | Carpet |
| 2001 | Munich | Germany | Olympiahalle | 12,000 | Indoor hard |
| 2002-2005 | Los Angeles | United States | Staples Center | 17,000 | Indoor hard |
| 2006-2007 | Madrid | Spain | Madrid Arena | 10,500 | Indoor hard |
| 2008-2010 | Doha | Qatar | Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex | 6,911 | Hard |
| 2011-2013 | Istanbul | Turkey | Sinan Erdem Dome | 16,410 | Indoor hard |
| 2014-2018 | Singapore | Singapore | Singapore Indoor Stadium | 10,000 | Indoor hard |
| 2019 | Shenzhen | China | Shenzhen Bay Sports Center | 12,000 | Indoor hard |
| 2021 | Guadalajara | Mexico | Panamerican Tennis Center | 6,639 | Hard |
| 2022 | Fort Worth | United States | Dickies Arena | 14,000 | Indoor hard |
| 2023 | Cancun | Mexico | Estadio Paradisus | 4,300 | Hard |
| 2024-2026 | Riyadh | Saudi Arabia | King Saud University Indoor Arena | 4,200 | Indoor hard |
Some of the world’s best players, including Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, and Elena Rybakina, have ties to Eastern Europe.
Six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek is Polish after all, and would be a huge attraction for fans in the area.
As would Sabalenka (Belarusian) and Rybakina (Kazakhstani).
In fairness, the same argument could be made by those supporting Charlotte’s bid.
American stars Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, and Amanda Anisimova are all playing excellent tennis.
Gauff, in particular, has a large fan base and would excel as the poster girl for a ‘Charlotte’ WTA Finals event.
It remains to be seen who will host the 2027 WTA Finals, but it will certainly be something to look out for.
Who is on course to qualify for the last Saudi Arabian WTA Finals?
Gauff and Rybakina won the first two WTA Finals tournaments held in Saudi Arabia, and as of now, both players will return for the third edition.
Live WTA Race
| Rank | Name | Country | Points | Status |
| 1 | Aryna Sabalenka | Belarus | 3,800 | Currently qualifying |
| 2 | Elena Rybakina | Kazakhstan | 3,483 | Currently qualifying |
| 3 | Jessica Pegula | USA | 2,406 | Currently qualifying |
| 4 | Elina Svitolina | Ukraine | 2,255 | Currently qualifying |
| 5 | Karolina Muchova | Czechia | 1,945 | Currently qualifying |
| 6 | Victoria Mboko | Canada | 1,927 | Currently qualifying |
| 7 | Coco Gauff | USA | 1,695 | Currently qualifying |
| 8 | Mirra Andreeva | Russia | 1,368 | Currently qualifying |
| 9 | Amanda Anisimova | USA | 1,130 | Not currently qualifying |
| 10 | Belinda Bencic | Switzerland | 1,080 | Not currently qualifying |
There are, however, several big names who would miss out on a spot at the year-end championships if the season ended today.
Notable players outside the WTA Finals qualification places
- Iga Swiatek (11th in the race)
- Alex Eala (17th in the race)
- Madison Keys (27th in the race)
- Jasmine Paolini (30th in the race)
- Emma Raducanu (45th in the race)
- Naomi Osaka (59th in the race)
Swiatek hasn’t missed the WTA Finals since her debut in 2021, but currently sits outside the qualification places in 11th.
Does Iga Swiatek now win the French Open after changing coaches? 🤔
Let us know your reasoning in the comments ⬇️
Can she move herself back into contention?
Only time will tell.
The 2026 WTA Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, begin on Saturday, November 7.
