WTA Finals to move from Saudi Arabia to Indian Wells after early end to hosting deal
The season-ending championship leaves Saudi Arabia two years into a three-year agreement, with Indian Wells stepping in to host the November 8–15 event.
Relocation confirmed
The WTA announced on Wednesday that the 2026 WTA Finals will be held at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in California instead of Riyadh. The tournament, which features the top eight singles players and doubles teams, had been staged in the Saudi capital since 2024 under a three-year deal signed that April. The WTA said it requested the move and the Saudi Tennis Federation accepted, leading to a mutual termination of the hosting arrangement.
The Indian Wells Tennis Garden provides an exceptional stage for the WTA Finals. From its world-class facilities and passionate fan base to its proven ability to deliver premier tennis events, the venue offers everything needed to showcase the very best of women’s tennis.
No official reason was given for the relocation. However, multiple sources note that several sporting events scheduled for the Middle East have been cancelled or postponed since US and Israeli military strikes on Iran on 28 February triggered a regional war. The ANSA news agency, SRF and RFI all point to the tense situation in the Middle East as a factor.
Player reactions
Coco Gauff, who won the tournament in Riyadh in 2024, welcomed the change while reflecting on her Saudi experience. Speaking at Wimbledon, she said she was happy the event is in the United States and recalled a warm reception in Riyadh two years ago, adding that the tournament brought the first professional women’s tennis event to the kingdom.
I’m really biased, so I’m really happy it’s in the U.S. As an American, it’s cool.
Gauff also voiced a desire for a more permanent home for the Finals, highlighting the event’s frequent moves.
The saga of the WTA Finals continues. It’s like we can’t catch a break, and I don’t necessarily think it’s our fault. There tends to be a lot of world conflicts that seem to happen and get in the way.
A nomadic trophy
Since 2019 the WTA Finals have been hosted by Shenzhen, Guadalajara, Fort Worth, Cancun, Riyadh and now Indian Wells. The event was cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic. Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan won the 2025 edition in Riyadh, beating Aryna Sabalenka, and pocketed a record $5.235 million from a $15 million prize pot. The constant change of venue has frustrated players, with Gauff saying she would like the tournament to find a lasting base.
- Shenzhen, China
- Guadalajara, Mexico
- Fort Worth, United States
- Cancun, Mexico
- Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Indian Wells, United States
Controversy and community work
Saudi Arabia’s involvement in tennis has drawn criticism from human rights advocates, who accuse the kingdom of using its Public Investment Fund to sportswash its record. Tennis legends Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova previously said the WTA’s values contrasted with those of Saudi Arabia. The Saudi government denies abuses and says it protects national security through its laws.
The Saudi Tennis Federation stated that its partnership with the WTA reached more than 30,000 people through community programmes, including workshops for women coaches, training for physical education teachers and tennis clinics for breast cancer survivors. Saudi Arabia is not exiting tennis entirely: its Public Investment Fund sponsors the WTA and ATP rankings, and the country will host a new ATP Masters 1000 event from 2028.
What comes next
The WTA has not indicated where the Finals will be held from 2027 onward. Earlier this year it said it was talking to potential partners globally. Indian Wells, already home to a combined WTA and ATP 1000 tournament each March, gives the season finale a familiar venue with strong infrastructure, but the search for a permanent home looks set to continue.
