On March 6, local time, the International Women's Tennis Association (WTA) and its global partner, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), announced today the creation of the groundbreaking PIF WTA Fertility Fund program to provide eligible WTA athletes with financial support and resources for their fertility needs.

Through the PIF WTA Fertility Fund program, WTA athletes can enjoy up to 12 months of paid maternity leave and related maternity benefits for the first time. From the date of the program's launch, the PIF WTA Fertility Fund program will provide benefits to more than 320 eligible WTA players.

The PIF WTA Fertility Fund program reflects the shared pursuit of WTA and PIF: to advance the sport of professional women's tennis, to inspire more women around the world to play tennis, and to help address some of the challenges faced by female athletes. Since the partnership between PIF and WTA was established in May 2024, support for athletes has been a key area of cooperation and a core initiative of the WTA Players' Council. The Players' Council represents the interests of the athletes.

Kvitova made a comeback after giving birth

Photo: Visual China

"As a professional tennis player, it can be challenging to balance your career with being a mother and taking on a role in your family life, which includes both physical and mental challenges," said WTA CEO Achill. For some time now, we've been exploring how we can support athletes so that they can choose the right time to become mothers on their own terms. We are very pleased to see that our partnership with PIF has allowed us to achieve our goal of providing paid maternity and parental leave to more than 320 eligible WTA players." The Fertility Fund program supports current and next generation players in the area of family life, giving them the flexibility to explore family life as they choose. ”

"PIF's commercial sponsorship aims to elevate all aspects of sport and leave a transformative impact and legacy on a global scale," said Arsonna, Head of Events & Sponsorship at PIF. Our partnership with the WTA is built on shared goals that align with PIF's vision, goals and values. The PIF WTA Fertility Fund is the first of its kind in women's sports and the only one fully funded by an external partner, opening a new path for players to become mothers and create a more inclusive environment. Athletes can develop holistically in both their professional and personal lives.

Stolti, CEO of the WTA Joint Venture, said: "This groundbreaking partnership is a perfect example of how we can work together to drive positive change in women's tennis. As a global partner of the WTA, PIF has demonstrated a strong commitment to the sport of tennis. Over the past year, they have worked closely with us and our players to develop the PIF WTA Fertility Fund program. We value the support that PIF has given us, and WTA players have played a vital role in enjoying these important benefits. We thank them for their dedication. ”

Representative of the WTA Players Council Azarenka

Photo: Visual China

Azarenka, representative of the WTA Players' Council, said: "It is a great honour to see the introduction of the PIF WTA Fertility Fund program. Driven by the players, PIF and the WTA have come together to support making it a reality. It's a meaningful start and marks a shift in our support for female tennis players, making it a little easier for them to balance their career and family life. Ensuring the existence of such a project has always been my personal mission. I'm looking forward to seeing its continued impact on the future. ”

Mom player Bencic

Photo: Visual China

The PIF WTA Fertility Fund is the first and only program in women's sports to be fully funded by an external partner. By working together, WTA and PIF are playing a transformative role in the future of tennis, creating opportunities for female athletes while ensuring they are not forced to choose between the pinnacle of their careers and their family life plans. WTA and PIF have prioritized the health and well-being of female athletes, setting a new standard for brand collaboration. It will promote the long-term sustainability of elite women's sports and more level playing field.

Eligibility criteria for the PIF WTA Fertility Fund program include participation in a certain number of WTA events within a certain time frame and a previous conservation ranking. Protected Rankings is a benefit of the WTA's Family Focus Program, which already exists in the WTA, to help athletes return to the field after maternity leave.

The PIF WTA Fertility Fund program is part of the WTA family's key programs. The WTA Family Program is designed to enable athletes to balance family life and professional sporting careers. The Conservation Ranking is part of this, which protects the athlete's ranking during pregnancy and postpartum, and can be used for up to three years after childbirth (other ways to become a parent for up to two years, such as through guardianship, etc.). The Protected Rankings have been introduced since 2019 and 50 players have benefited so far.

Mom player Naomi Osaka

Photo: Visual China

In addition, the WTA provides additional support to athletes who are pregnant and new mothers through the Hologic WTA Wellness Team and Working Group, including physical assessment, mental health support, nutritional advice, and guidance on return-to-play planning.

(Text: WTA)