Who benefits from WTA Finals moving to Indian Wells

In 2026, the WTA Finals were slated to be played in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Due to the ongoing war in the Middle East, the WTA has opted to move this year’s event to Indian Wells. This was intended to be the final year the WTA Finals would be played in Saudi Arabia. A 2027 location has not been announced.

This year’s location change benefits the US players who will enjoy a homefield advantage.

MORE: Serena reportedly injured, Wimbledon doubles with Venus in jeopardy

About the WTA Finals

The WTA Finals is the exclusive end-of-year tennis tournament for the top eight ranked singles players and doubles teams (in ranking points).

If a Grand Slam champion from the calendar year is not in the top eight, that player (or team) will get an invite and the eighth ranked person/team is moved to an alternate position.

That situation happened in 2024 when Barbora Krejcikova won Wimbledon but finished outside the top eight. Emma Navarro, eighth in the WTA Finals points race, did not play.

MORE: Martina Navratilova shares what Serena was missing at Wimbledon against Maya Joint

2026 Grand Slam champions Elena Rybakina and Mirra Andreeva secured spots

Rybakina is the defending champion of the event.

The WTA Finals has crowned a maiden champion each year since 2016.

Coco Gauff (2024), Iga Swiatek (2023), and Elina Svitolina (2018) join Rybakina as the only four players who have won the WTA Finals in recent years. Serena Williams is a five-time champion (2001, 2009, 2012-2014), and Venus Williams won it once (2008). Retired players Ashleigh Barty, Caroline Garcia, Garbine Muguruza, Caroline Wozniacki, and Petra Kvitova are also former champions.

Who else benefits from it being played at Indian Wells

Past Indian Wells champions Aryna Sabalenka, Mirra Andreeva, Iga Swiatek, and Elena Rybakina also benefit from the location change to Indian Wells.

Sabalenka is a two-time WTA Finals runner up (2022 and 2025).

The WTA Finals are scheduled for November 8-15, 2026.