Saudi Arabia's PIF, WTA launch first-ever paid maternity leave program for tennis players

Al Arabiya

07-03-2025

Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) and the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) announced the creation of the Maternity Fund Program, marking the first time in women's sports history that female tennis players can receive paid maternity leave.
Through the PIF WTA Maternity Fund Program, WTA players can receive paid maternity leave for up to 12 months and have access to grants for fertility treatments, as well as other benefits.
The PIF WTA Maternity Fund Program is a groundbreaking initiative that provides the first-ever paid maternity leave for professional tennis players – marking a defining moment in women's sports. pic.twitter.com/cxA1dtnt8M
— Public Investment Fund (@PIF_en) March 6, 2025
The program is the first and only maternity program in women's sport to be fully funded and supported by an external partner.
In a statement released by the PIF, it said that the initiative reflects the WTA and PIF's shared ambition to grow women's professional tennis, inspire more women and girls around the world to take up the game, and help address some of the challenges faced by female athletes.
'It can be challenging to balance the physical and emotional demands of a professional tennis career with the complexities of motherhood and family life… This initiative will provide the current and next generation of players the support and flexibility to explore family life, in whatever form they choose,' Portia Archer, WTA CEO, said in the statement.
#PIF Tennis Ambassador Kim Clijsters, four time grand slam champion and former @WTA world no.1, highlights the transformative impact of the PIF WTA Maternity Fund Program, under which players will for the first time receive paid maternity benefits. pic.twitter.com/C365acv7oJ
— Public Investment Fund (@PIF_en) March 6, 2025
For her part, Alanoud Althonayan, Head of Events and Sponsorships at PIF, said: 'PIF partnerships are designed to elevate every level of sport and leave a legacy of transformative impact on a global scale… The PIF WTA Maternity Fund Program – a first-of-its-kind and the only maternity program in women's sports to be fully funded and supported by an external partner – opens new pathways to motherhood while creating a more inclusive environment where athletes can thrive in both their professional and personal lives.'
Since the inception of the PIF and WTA partnership in May 2024, maternity support was identified as a key area for collaboration and a vital initiative by the WTA Players' Council, which represents the interests of players.
From March 6, 2025, the program offers benefits to more than 320 eligible WTA players.
The PIF WTA Maternity Fund Program is a pioneering initiative supported by PIF, marking the first time in women's sports history that comprehensive maternity benefits are available to independent, self-employed athletes.
— Public Investment Fund (@PIF_en) March 6, 2025
The eligibility criteria for participation in the PIF WTA Maternity Fund Program includes competing in a certain number of WTA tournaments in a window of time, and receiving a special ranking, one of the existing benefits available through the WTA's Family Focus Program that makes it easier to return to competition after starting a family.
The PIF WTA Maternity Fund Program is part of WTA's comprehensive Family Focus Program developed by the WTA to empower players to combine family life with professional sport.
This includes special rankings that protect a player's ranking position during pregnancy and postpartum, allowing them to return to the same level for up to three years after giving birth, or up to two years following another means of parenthood, such as guardianship.
Since special rankings after returning from pregnancy were introduced in 2019, 50 players have benefited.
Additionally, the WTA offers extensive support to players who are pregnant or new parents through the Hologic WTA Performance Health Team and Women's Health Taskforce, including physical assessments, mental health support and nutritional advice, as well as guidance on a staged return to play.