Governor Josh Stein announced that Charlotte will host the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Finals in 2027, 2028, and 2029, with the support of a $14.4 million grant from North Carolina’s Major Events, Games, and Attractions Fund (MEGA). The grant, offered by the North Carolina Department of Commerce, aims to assist the Charlotte Sports Foundation in collaboration with local authorities and business leaders in organizing the event. In addition to hosting the WTA Finals, Charlotte is set to become the home of the WTA’s global headquarters and will host a future WTA 500 event after 2029. This development is expected to enhance North Carolina’s status as a key location for international sports events.
The 2027 WTA Finals are scheduled for November 10-14 and will take place at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte. The event will feature the top eight singles players and top eight doubles teams in the world, signaling a significant moment for North Carolina’s growing presence in the sports arena. The tournament is anticipated to attract 80,000 spectators and will include practice courts, fan experiences, and meeting spaces at the Charlotte Convention Center. Projections suggest the WTA Finals will have a substantial economic impact on the region, potentially amounting to tens of millions of dollars.
North Carolina’s N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley praised the initiative, highlighting the state’s ability to host major events and the strength of its sports and tourism industries. Lilley noted that securing the WTA Finals is a significant achievement for North Carolina. In recent times, the state has been the venue for various major events, including golf, motorsports, and soccer, supported by partnerships with the N.C. Department of Commerce.
The MEGA Fund, which facilitated the grant for the WTA Finals, is an initiative through which North Carolina invests in attracting major sporting, entertainment, and cultural events. The fund supports communities in pursuing events that enhance their visibility and contribute to broader economic development and tourism objectives. To date, the MEGA Fund has awarded $39.8 million in grants for events across the state.
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