The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) has introduced a groundbreaking initiative providing paid maternity leave to its players, funded by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).
This program offers up to 12 months of paid maternity leave for pregnant players and two months of paid leave for those becoming parents through partner pregnancy, surrogacy, or adoption.
Additionally, players will have access to grants for fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and egg freezing.
This initiative is the first of its kind in women’s sports, offering comprehensive maternity benefits to independent, self-employed athletes.
Over 320 players are eligible for these benefits, which are retroactive to January 1, 2025.
The WTA CEO, Portia Archer, described the program as “innovative and pioneering,” highlighting its significance in supporting players who typically lack such benefits.
The partnership between the WTA and PIF reflects a broader trend in women’s sports, emphasizing the importance of addressing maternity and parental needs as the profile of women’s athletics continues to rise.
This development also underscores Saudi Arabia’s increasing involvement in global sports, following its investments in other sectors like golf.
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