WTA Unveils Expansive 2026 Calendar, Solidifying Commitment to Global Growth and Player Equity
The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) has announced its ambitious 2026 Tour calendar, featuring a dynamic schedule of over 50 tournaments spanning 26 countries and territories, in addition to the four prestigious Grand Slams. This release not only confirms the Tour’s growing global footprint but also underscores its leadership in professional women’s sports through pioneering initiatives focused on athlete welfare and equality.
The 2026 season is structured to deliver world-class tennis with a concentrated lineup of elite events. The schedule features a total of ten WTA 1000 tournaments, seven of which will adopt the enhanced 12-day format, offering greater player rest and fan engagement. This top tier is complemented by 17 WTA 500 events and 22 WTA 250 tournaments, creating a robust competitive structure across all levels of the circuit. The calendar kicks off with the fourth staging of the United Cup, the popular mixed-team event that sees WTA and ATP players representing their nations, setting an exciting tone for the year.
The season will culminate with the third edition of the WTA Finals Riyadh presented by PIF in Saudi Arabia, cementing the event’s new home and its role as the final destination for the world’s top eight singles players and doubles teams.
The announcement comes as the WTA Tour continues to showcase its immense popularity, boasting a massive global audience of 1 billion and attracting over 4 million fans to tournaments in person each year. This robust appetite for women’s tennis is fueling the Tour’s continued expansion and its mission to be a global leader.
A cornerstone of the WTA’s vision for 2026 is its trailblazing commitment to equality and athlete support. The Tour will advance its push for equal prize money across its top-tier events, building on the multi-year plan announced previously to achieve parity with the men’s game at combined events by 2027 and at all WTA 1000 and 500 events by 2033. This move is a powerful statement on the value of women’s tennis and the legacy of its founders.
Furthermore, the WTA is leading the way in professional sports with its pioneering athlete welfare programs. These include the groundbreaking PIF Maternity Fund and fertility protection measures, which offer comprehensive benefits—such as paid leave, egg freezing, and IVF support—to eligible self-employed athletes. This historic initiative provides financial stability and flexibility, empowering players to manage their careers and personal decisions around starting or growing a family.
WTA CEO Portia Archer, speaking on the announcement, highlighted the strategic vision behind the calendar. “The release of the 2026 WTA calendar reflects our continued commitment to delivering a world-class Tour,” said Archer. “With major events in key markets, we provide our athletes the most powerful global stage to perform, excite and engage our fans, and grow the reach of women’s tennis in all corners of the globe. We’re proud to elevate the sport while fostering equality, opportunity and excellence at every level.”
The expansion of key events, particularly the longer format for seven WTA 1000 tournaments, addresses player requests for improved conditions and preparation time at the circuit’s most significant events outside of the Slams. While the full schedule detailing locations and dates is yet to be fully revealed, the structure confirms the WTA’s strategy of delivering a premium product.
With its clear focus on global expansion, a premium product, and unprecedented player support, the 2026 WTA Tour calendar is poised to deliver a spectacular season of professional tennis while reaffirming its status as a benchmark for women’s sports worldwide. Fans can anticipate an intensely competitive season as the world’s best athletes chase titles across the globe.
Click here to view the 2026 WTA Tour calendar.
