The WTA Finals will leave Saudi Arabia after three years upon the conclusion of the 2026 tournament.
However, there are now reasons to believe that the year-end championships won’t return to the Middle East later this year.
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During the latest episode of ‘Served with Andy Roddick‘, respected tennis journalist Jon Wertheim delivered his verdict on the future of the WTA Finals.
Jon Wertheim highlights two reasons why the WTA Finals could leave Saudi Arabia before the contract ends
Wertheim was discussing Saudi Arabia’s investment in sport, amid rumours of LIV Golf’s demise.
“It’s interesting that the WTA, which a few months ago was saying, we hope to renew our deal with Saudi Arabia, we hope to be here a long time,” he said.
“It does not look like the [WTA] Finals are going to happen after this year.
“I would not, and this is informed speculation, don’t be surprised if the 2026 WTA Finals don’t move elsewhere, in part, because of the war going on in the region, but in part because the Saudis clearly have cut ties with this event and the WTA.”
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 |
The WTA Finals thought they had found a permanent home in Riyadh, after largely unsuccessful stints in Guadalajara, Fort Worth, and Cancun.
But the contract was not renewed for the 2027 season, and as Wertheim rightly pointed out, there is a real chance the 2026 edition is moved elsewhere.
So with that being said, where could the stars of women’s tennis be headed later this year?
The WTA Finals could move to Charlotte or Gdansk
Last month, reports emerged that the WTA Finals could move to Charlotte, America, or Gdansk, Poland, from 2027.
If Saudi Arabia were to cancel the 2026 tournament, perhaps Charlotte or Gdansk could host this year’s WTA Finals.
Charlotte is a popular choice, partly thanks to the success of American players on the WTA Tour.
Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, and Amanda Anisimova are all ranked inside the world’s top 10 and have impressed at the Grand Slam and WTA 1000 level over the last 12 months.
American players in the WTA top 50
- Coco Gauff – 3rd
- Jessica Pegula – 5th
- Amanda Anisimova – 6th
- Iva Jovic – 16th
- Madison Keys – 17th
- Emma Navarro – 28th
- Hailey Baptiste – 32nd
- Ann Li – 34th
- Peyton Stearns – 43rd
- McCartney Kessler – 48th
There is, however, an argument to suggest that there are already enough events held in the United States.
Indian Wells, the Miami Open, Cincinnati Open, and the US Open are all held in America.
Therefore, it might be an idea for the WTA Finals to move to Gdansk, Poland.
After all, one of the best players in women’s tennis, Iga Swiatek, is Polish.
Polish fans would surely love a chance to see their favourite fight for one of the biggest titles in the sport on home soil.
That is, if she qualifies for the WTA Finals.
Swiatek currently sits 10th in the ‘Live WTA Race’, after an underwhelming start to her 2026 campaign.
Alternatively, the WTA Finals could move elsewhere for just one year or remain in Saudi Arabia as planned.
Only time will tell what the future holds for Saudi Arabia and the WTA Finals, but it will certainly be something to keep an eye on.
The 2026 WTA Finals are currently scheduled to begin on November 7 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
