Saudi Arabia's PIF, WTA Launch First-Ever Paid Maternity Leave Program for Tennis Players
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 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.
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.
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