Charlotte Emerges as Front-Runner to Host WTA Finals in 2027

The Queen City has proven it can handle big tennis events and is courting the WTA's signature year-end championship.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 9:19pm

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Charlotte, North Carolina has emerged as a front-runner to host the WTA Finals, the women's tennis tour's signature year-end championship event, in 2027. The city has welcomed top tennis stars for the past two years and has the infrastructure to handle a major global event, including renovations to the Spectrum Center arena and the Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Charlotte is competing with Gdansk, Poland to land the prestigious tournament.

Why it matters

Hosting the WTA Finals would be a major coup for Charlotte, further cementing its status as an emerging sports destination. The event would bring global attention and economic activity to the city, while also inspiring more local interest and participation in tennis.

The details

Charlotte has welcomed top tennis players for the past two years through the Charlotte Invitational tournament. City officials and the Charlotte Sports Foundation are actively courting the WTA to bring the Finals to the Queen City in 2027. The WTA recently visited the Spectrum Center and is considering Charlotte and Gdansk, Poland as potential host cities. Charlotte touts its renovated arena, international airport, and growing reputation as a sports hub as key advantages.

  • The WTA Finals are expected to leave Saudi Arabia after this year's tournament.
  • The WTA recently visited the Spectrum Center in Charlotte.
  • No decision has been made yet on the 2027 WTA Finals host city.

The players

Don Keistler

A Charlotte tennis legend with 50 years of experience running a tennis store in the Queen City.

Dante Anderson

A Charlotte City Council Member who says the city has a great case to host the WTA Finals due to recent sports event experience and infrastructure improvements.

WTA

The Women's Tennis Association, the governing body for women's professional tennis, which is considering Charlotte and Gdansk, Poland as potential host cities for the 2027 WTA Finals.

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What they’re saying

“I think it would fill up the place and truly get more people into tennis.”

— Don Keistler, Charlotte tennis legend

“Charlotte is growing as a sports city, right on the international stage.”

— Dante Anderson, Charlotte City Council Member

“I haven't been there before, but I think we can definitely take them on.”

— Dante Anderson, Charlotte City Council Member

What’s next

The WTA says no decisions have been made yet on the new home for the WTA Finals. The organization is having conversations with potential partners around the globe and will work closely with players to continue building a strong future for women's tennis.

The takeaway

Charlotte's successful hosting of the Charlotte Invitational tennis tournament and its investments in sports infrastructure have positioned the city as a leading contender to host the prestigious WTA Finals in 2027. Securing this global event would be a major boost for Charlotte's growing reputation as an international sports destination.