The WTA has expressed its disappointment regarding the PTPA’s lawsuit, labeling it as both unfortunate and misdirected. The organization has stated its intention to vigorously defend its position in response to the legal action.
As a non-profit membership organization, the WTA’s core purpose is to promote women’s tennis, benefiting players, tournaments, and fans alike. WTA players hold equal membership status alongside tournaments, granting them a significant and influential voice in the governance of the WTA. Player input is integral to every decision made at the WTA Board level through elected player representatives. Moreover, athletes participating in WTA events receive substantial financial compensation and various other benefits.
This established governance model, which has garnered the support of athletes across generations, has enabled the WTA to achieve considerable advancements for its players. Recent accomplishments include a commitment to increase player compensation by $400 million, the development of a pathway towards equal prize money at major WTA events, securing new investments to foster the long-term growth of women’s tennis, and the introduction of the first comprehensive maternity benefits program for independent, self-employed athletes in women’s sports history.
The WTA remains dedicated to the ongoing development and refinement of professional women’s tennis structure and operations, always prioritizing the perspectives of its players. However, the organization emphasizes that contesting this unfounded legal case will divert crucial time, attention, and resources away from its central mission, ultimately harming the interests of its players and the sport as a whole.
