The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) and the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) have announced a new program to support players with maternity leave and family planning benefits. The initiative, revealed on Thursday, aims to provide much-needed assistance for athletes.
Women’s tennis is one of the few professional sports that have lacked formal maternity benefits, and players have long advocated for such support.
Under the new policy, eligible players will receive up to 12 months of paid maternity leave. They will also have access to financial grants for fertility treatments and egg freezing. The WTA estimates that around 320 players will benefit from the initiative.
“This initiative will provide the current and next generation of players the support and flexibility to explore family life, in whatever form they choose,” said WTA CEO Portia Archer in a statement.
The program, backed by PIF, is the first fully funded maternity initiative in women’s sports with support from an external partner, according to the WTA. While PIF has not disclosed the financial details of its contribution, both organizations stated that players will receive fair compensation.
The initiative follows a multi-year partnership between the WTA and PIF, announced in May. Saudi Arabia has been expanding its investments in global sports, with PIF also funding the LIV Golf League.
However, the partnership has faced criticism from current and former players due to Saudi Arabia’s human rights record. Some see this new policy as part of an effort to improve the country’s image among American tennis fans.
While this initiative marks a progressive step for women’s tennis, it also reflects a broader trend in professional women’s sports, where maternity benefits have become an important issue for athletes.
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