Setting a new standard: The WTA’s ranking protection and the future of female athlete welfare

A unique aspect of tennis is that players are considered independent contractors rather than employees.^[1] Given this employment classification, it is critical that tournaments and associations offer benefits or coverage packages to ensure players are protected and can balance personal choices regarding family planning with their athletic careers. The Women’s Tennis Association’s (WTA) new ranking protection rule ensures that players need not choose between their professional careers and family planning decisions such as fertility planning decisions and maternity leave.

This article examines the following:

• The New Fertility Protection Special Entry Ranking Protection Rule
• Who is eligible and how does it work?
• Which WTA benefits were already in place?
  • Family Focus Program
  • The Maternity Fund
• Do other sports have a comparable benefit to WTA’s Fertility Protection Special Entry Ranking Rule?
  • Ladies Professional Golf Association (LGPA)
  • Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) & FIFA
  • National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL)
• Conclusion