- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Top Players Weigh In on Rumored WTA Finals Move to Charlotte
Jessica Pegula and Madison Keys share their thoughts on the potential new venue for the prestigious year-end women's tennis tournament.
Mar. 31, 2026 at 5:37am
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
As the three-year deal for the WTA Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia is set to expire, top players like Jessica Pegula and Madison Keys have shared their thoughts on the rumored move of the prestigious year-end women's tennis tournament to Charlotte, North Carolina. While Pegula says the WTA management is still uncertain about the new location, Keys expressed support for bringing the event back to the United States, citing the strong tennis fan base in Charlotte.
Why it matters
The WTA Finals is one of the most important events in women's tennis, offering the most ranking points and prize money after the Grand Slams. The location of the tournament has been a topic of discussion, with the event previously held in various cities around the world before a three-year deal was signed with Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which faced some player opposition. The potential move to Charlotte could bring the event back to the United States, where it has historically had strong fan support.
The details
The WTA Finals, which features the top 8 women's tennis players, has been held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia since 2023 under a three-year deal. As that deal is set to expire, the WTA is reportedly considering moving the event to Charlotte, North Carolina starting in 2027. World No. 5 Jessica Pegula, who is on the WTA's Tour Architecture Council, says the management is still uncertain about the new location, while 2025 Australian Open champion Madison Keys expressed support for bringing the tournament back to the United States, citing Charlotte's strong tennis fan base.
- The WTA Finals' three-year deal with Riyadh, Saudi Arabia is set to expire in 2026.
- Rumors suggest Charlotte, North Carolina could host the WTA Finals starting in 2027.
The players
Jessica Pegula
The world No. 5 player and member of the WTA's Tour Architecture Council, which aims to improve the tour calendar and structure.
Madison Keys
The 2025 Australian Open champion and top-ranked American player who supports the potential move of the WTA Finals to Charlotte.
What they’re saying
“I obviously kind of knew the three years is going to be up ... I've been a little informed, but not too much because I don't think they have any idea where it's going to be yet.”
— Jessica Pegula, World No. 5 player
“I think it would be a great city to host just because you already have so many fans built in, and I think the city would just be so excited to be able to come out and support WTA.”
— Madison Keys, 2025 Australian Open champion
What’s next
The WTA is expected to announce the new host city for the WTA Finals later this year, with Charlotte, North Carolina emerging as the rumored frontrunner to take over from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia starting in 2027.
The takeaway
The potential move of the prestigious WTA Finals to Charlotte, North Carolina could be a positive development for the women's tennis tour, bringing the event back to the United States where it has historically enjoyed strong fan support. Top players like Jessica Pegula and Madison Keys have expressed support for the move, which could help boost the tournament's popularity and profile.
