[bobbynorwich]

Think the ATP is better run than the WTA?
Fans of women's tennis will be glad to hear that the the WTA is financially solid, per Canadian Business article (Feb 2009) below.

Since 2006, the WTA's operating revenue increased 22%, cash reserves increased 36%, marketing increased 219% and international sales increased 136%. Today, the tour takes in about US$50 million in revenue. Need further proof of the tour's success? Sony Ericsson extended its historic US$88-million title sponsorship of the WTA in March 2007, one year early, for another two years — meanwhile, the men's tour remains without a title sponsor.

Stacey Allaster, president of the Women's Tennis Association, is confident her sport is on strong financial footing after locking up long-term sponsorship, television and year-end championship agreements. Under Allaster's leadership during the past three years, women's professional tennis has undergone a transformation, from a "quiet, please" atmosphere, to one where improving the fan experience has led to fundamental changes in the way the game is played. In retrospect, these recent changes could be viewed as a pre-emptive strike against an economic downturn.

http://www.canadianbusiness.com/managing/strategy/article.jsp?content=20090127_10004_10004.
​

There's more interesting info on the business side of the WTA in this article.

What else do you thing the WTA should do to improve its bottom line?

 

[Wiggly]

WTA isnt't on TV.
Each time I watch a stream of a MM, the stands are empty. Except when Venus is playing.

It's not doing so good actually.

 

[Tipp]

Err...having read the rest of that article, is that woman trying to take credit for the introduction of Hawkeye?? Article seems more about her than the WTA.

 

[bobbynorwich]

WTA isnt't on TV.
Each time I watch a stream of a MM, the stands are empty. Except when Venus is playing.

It's not doing so good actually.

Most revenue is from corporate sponsorship, broadcast rights, and luxury boxes. Almost all tournament box and premium seats that appear empty prior to quarter/semi/finals are actually presold to patrons who must buy the seat for every session of that tournie. Empty doesn't mean unsold, seat owners just aren't attending.

 

[Wiggly]

Most revenue is from corporate sponsorship, broadcast rights, and luxury boxes. Almost all tournament box and premium seats that appear empty prior to quarter/semi/finals are actually presold to patrons who must buy the seat for every session of that tournie. Empty doesn't mean unsold, seat owners just aren't attending.

Even if it's sold, it shows a lot if people don't care enough to show up at a tennis event, even if the boss gave them free tickets.

 

[bobbynorwich]

Err...having read the rest of that article, is that woman trying to take credit for the introduction of Hawkeye?? Article seems more about her than the WTA.

Ontario, Canada article was profiling the accomplishments of "native daughter" Stacey Allaster (President of WTA), a human interest angle for their readers. Hawkeye was referred to as introduced in 2006, (while she was at the helm) but in reference to many joint accomplishments of Larry Scott, Allaster, and WTA team.

 

[bobbynorwich]

Even if it's sold, it shows a lot if people don't care enough to show up at a tennis event, even if the boss gave them free tickets.

Even at the Grand Slams, take a look at those stands.

 

[supergrunt]

great!