Saudi millions and a lengthy lobbying campaign paid dividends on Thursday as the WTA sent the year-end Finals to the kingdom for a three-year run.
The move should hand the cash-strapped sanctioning body a massive financial lifeline at the cost of worldwide controversy.
The first edition of the eight-player event is set for November 2-9.
Global prize money for the week will start at USD 15.25 million with increases promised annually.
The WTA touted the “plans to grow the global fanbase for women’s tennis through increased investment in marketing, digital and fan engagement,” in a release.
The WTA tournament is the second on the Tours to relocate to the desert, following the ATP NextGen Under-21 event which was staged in Jeddah five months ago.
