WTA Finals: Riyadh to Lose Hosting Rights After 2026 | Charlotte in Talks

The WTA Finals are set to depart Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, after the 2026 tournament, with Charlotte, North Carolina, emerging as the leading candidate to host the event from 2027 onwards, according to a report from SportsPro.

The move comes despite expressed interest from WTA Chief Executive Portia Archer in extending the partnership with Riyadh beyond the initial three-year deal, which began in 2024. Archer had indicated in November that talks were ongoing to continue the WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia, citing strong financial backing and growing interest in women’s tennis in the region.

However, negotiations with the Saudi Tennis Federation ultimately did not result in a renewal, bringing the controversial chapter to a close after this year’s event. The decision to move the WTA Finals follows considerable debate surrounding the WTA’s initial agreement with Saudi Arabia.

Charlotte’s Emergence as Frontrunner

Charlotte has not hosted a WTA Tour event since the 1970s, but it was previously considered as a potential relocation site for the Cincinnati Open in 2023, though that move did not materialize. The city is now considered to be in a strong position to secure the rights to host the prestigious year-end championships.

The WTA Finals showcase the top eight singles players and doubles teams of the season, culminating the WTA Tour calendar. The tournament’s relocation marks a significant shift for the WTA, as it seeks a new home for its signature event.

Controversy Surrounding the Saudi Arabia Deal

The initial agreement to host the WTA Finals in Riyadh in 2024 sparked criticism from within the tennis community. Tennis legends Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova were among those who voiced concerns regarding the deal. The concerns centered around Saudi Arabia’s human rights record and its implications for women’s sports.

Despite the criticism, Archer had defended the decision, emphasizing the financial benefits and the opportunity to grow the sport in a new market. She previously described the move to Saudi Arabia as a “good decision,” highlighting the strong financial backing, high-quality facilities and increasing interest in women’s tennis in the Middle East.

Shifting Landscape and Future Considerations

The decision to leave Saudi Arabia also comes amid a changing geopolitical landscape. Ongoing conflict in the Middle East has added uncertainty surrounding major international sporting events in the region. Reports suggest that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) is reassessing its sports investment strategy.

The WTA’s search for a new host city reflects a broader trend in sports, where organizations are increasingly weighing financial considerations against ethical and political concerns. Charlotte’s potential to host the WTA Finals represents a return to a more traditional tennis market in North America.

The 2026 WTA Finals in Riyadh will be the final edition of the tournament held in Saudi Arabia. The WTA is expected to announce its decision regarding the long-term host city for the event in the coming months.

“We signed on for a three-year term; we’d actually enjoy being here for even longer than we have been, or than we are agreed to be here,”

Portia Archer, WTA Chief Executive, to The Athletic (2025)

The move to Charlotte could signal a shift in the WTA’s strategy, prioritizing established tennis markets and potentially mitigating the controversies associated with hosting events in countries with questionable human rights records.