Despite Billie Jean King’s Lifelong Efforts at Ensuring Parity, Glaring Reality Voiced by Top Tennis Official – ’You Are Worth Less’

The pay disparity issue in tennis and sports in general is not as simple as it seems. Legendary tennis player Billie Jean King has spent a lot of time finding a viable solution. However, nothing solid has come yet. In a recent interview, the V.P. of the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation, Yuri Polsky, talked about this in depth. He highlighted many factors that are causing this disparity. 

He also opened up about a potential solution that the ATP is working on. Pay disparity has been systematically spread over every industry and not just sports or tennis itself. However, it seems like things are going to improve soon enough. 

How is Billie Jean King Cup lagging behind?

Polsky was asked about the funding for WTA. Since players have been demanding equal prize money. The question revolved around the assumption of whether the ATP reserves will be used to cover the difference. 

Responding to the question in an interview with Championat, Polsky acknowledged the issue and also gave a straight answer. He said: “No, for now from the reserves of the women’s association. But we must understand that the Billie Jean King Cup and the WTA , having equal prize money, do not generate the same income.” He then talked about how proper coverage can tackle the disparity. As per him: “The main thing is coverage: if you are seen less, you are worth less. And, accordingly, sponsors receive less value and meaning.” 

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Polsky then goes on to explain how sponsors won’t mind investing in WTA if it brings the same kind of money like the ATP does. In his words: “Otherwise, they are ready to invest more. Maybe on such a basis it will be possible to improve the financial model.” But how to actually execute this plan? 

ATP’s plan to fix the situation

According to Polsky, the ATP has built a strategy that can make the situation better. He said: “As a solution, ATP proposes a rights pooling option: broadcasting rights will be sold in the “ATP+WTA” complex. This idea seems quite effective because the ATP is a pretty successful association.”

He then delves further into this, as he says: “Broadcasters will buy the block, they cannot buy ATP separately, so they will also buy WTA . In this way, the value of the women’s tennis association can be raised – artificially pumping it up a little.” Well, this will indeed get the much needed attention to the WTA.

It is quite evident that the WTA is struggling. The demand for equal pay and prize money has been at an all-time high. Do you think this new strategy by the ATP will push things towards improvement? Do let us know in the comments.

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