Sports · Tennis · 2 hrs ago
WTA Finals Draw Sparse Crowds After Move to Indian Wells
The WTA Finals moved to Indian Wells after Saudi Arabia withdrew as host of the 2026 event.
The tournament is being played at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, which also hosts a popular combined men’s and women’s event each March.
Thousands of seats were empty during the Finals’ opening days, even though tickets cost as little as $85.
The low turnout stands in contrast to the large crowds at the March tournament.
The sparse crowds raise questions about interest in the women’s season-ending event and whether its top players draw fans as strongly as men’s stars.
Organisers hope attendance improves as the tournament reaches its semi-finals and final on Sunday.
The 2026 WTA Finals moved to Indian Wells after Saudi Arabia withdrew as host.
Attendance on the tournament’s opening days was reported to be very low, with thousands of empty seats.
Tickets were priced as low as $85, and thousands of seats remained unsold for the following days.
The report contrasted the sparse crowds with the larger audiences at the Indian Wells Open, a joint men’s and women’s event held in March.
- Who
- The WTA and players competing in the WTA Finals.
- What
- The tournament drew sparse crowds at its new venue, Indian Wells Tennis Garden.
- When
- The opening days of the 2026 WTA Finals. Exact dates are not stated.
- Where
- Indian Wells Tennis Garden, California.
- Why
- The sources do not state why attendance was low.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Saudi Arabia withdrew as host, leaving the WTA to find a new venue.
The WTA moved the Finals to Indian Wells Tennis Garden.
Attendance was reported to be low, with thousands of empty seats.
- Event
- 2026 WTA Finals
- Venue
- Indian Wells Tennis Garden
- Ticket price
- As low as $85
- Attendance
- Thousands of empty seats reported on opening days
- Unsold seats
- Thousands remained for the following days