The WTA has responded to the PTPA’s lawsuit with disappointment and disagreement, stating they will strongly defend their position.
As a non-profit organization, the WTA’s mission is to promote women’s tennis for the benefit of players, tournaments, and fans. WTA players are integral members and have significant influence in the organization’s management, alongside tournaments. Player representatives are involved in every decision at the WTA Board level, and athletes receive substantial financial rewards and various advantages through their participation in WTA events.
This well-established governance model, supported by athletes for many years, has enabled the WTA to make considerable progress for its players. Recent achievements include a commitment to increase player compensation by $400 million, establishing a path towards equal pay at major WTA tournaments, securing new investments for the sport’s long-term growth, and introducing the first comprehensive maternity benefits program for independent female athletes in professional sports history.
The WTA remains dedicated to the ongoing development and improvement of professional women’s tennis operations, always carefully considering the opinions of its players. However, they believe this unfounded lawsuit will divert valuable time, attention, and resources away from their primary goals, ultimately harming the players and the sport as a whole.
