INDIAN WELLS, Calif. – The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) and its global partner, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), have launched the PIF WTA Maternity Fund Program, an innovative initiative designed to support professional female tennis players in balancing their careers with family life.
This landmark program will provide eligible WTA players with up to 12 months of paid maternity leave and grants for fertility treatments, ensuring greater financial security and flexibility for athletes starting or expanding their families. From its inception, the program will benefit more than 320 WTA players, marking a significant step in athlete welfare.
A Transformative Step for Women’s Tennis
The initiative underscores the shared commitment of WTA and PIF to advancing women’s professional tennis and addressing the unique challenges faced by female athletes. Maternity support was identified as a priority by the WTA Players’ Council following the establishment of the WTA-PIF partnership in May 2024.
WTA CEO Portia Archer highlighted the importance of this program, stating:
“Balancing a professional tennis career with motherhood presents significant challenges. We’ve long sought ways to support players in making family decisions on their terms. Thanks to our partnership with PIF, we’re proud to introduce paid maternity and parental leave for over 320 players, offering them the freedom to explore family life without sacrificing their careers.”
An Industry-First Initiative
The PIF WTA Maternity Fund Program stands out as the only fully funded maternity program in women’s sports supported by an external partner. Alanoud Althonayan, Head of Events and Sponsorships at PIF, emphasized the broader impact:
“PIF partnerships aim to elevate sports at every level and leave a lasting global impact. This initiative not only supports female athletes but also creates a more inclusive environment where they can excel both professionally and personally.”
WTA Ventures CEO Marina Storti praised the collaboration, calling it a “powerful example of how partnerships can drive meaningful change”, while Victoria Azarenka, WTA Players’ Council representative, described the program as a “game-changer” for women in tennis, allowing them to pursue both their careers and aspirations of motherhood.
Setting a New Standard in Women’s Sports
The maternity fund is part of the WTA’s broader Family Focus Program, which also includes:
Special rankings to protect a player’s position during pregnancy and postpartum, allowing a return to competition at the same level for up to three years.
Holistic health support, including physical assessments, mental health resources, and nutritional guidance.
Since the introduction of special rankings in 2019, 50 players have benefited from this system. The WTA continues to enhance its support network through partnerships like this, ensuring female athletes no longer have to choose between peak performance and starting a family.
With this pioneering program, WTA and PIF are setting a new benchmark for gender equity in elite sports, fostering a sustainable future where female athletes can thrive both on and off the court.
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