North Carolina Committed Millions for WTA Finals

The state has pledged $14.4 million to bring the major tennis event to Charlotte from 2027 to 2029.

Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Tennis

Expressive editorial illustration of a tennis racket striking a ball with dynamic brush strokes in electric yellow and blue. — North Carolina has pledged $14.4 million to host the WTA Finals in Charlotte from 2027 to 2029, as part of a strategy to attract major international sports events. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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North Carolina has secured the rights to host the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) Finals at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte between 2027 and 2029. The deal is backed by a $14.4 million commitment from the state's Major Events, Games, and Attractions (MEGA) Fund.

Why it matters

The investment aims to establish North Carolina as a premier destination for major international sporting events. By leveraging sports betting tax revenue, the state hopes to drive significant in-state economic activity through these high-profile athletic showcases.

The MEGA Fund will provide up to $4.8 million in annual reimbursements, provided organizers reach a $12 million annual in-state spending threshold. Additionally, Mecklenburg County and the city of Charlotte have each pledged $2.5 million to support the WTA's headquarters move.

The players

Women's Tennis Association

This is the principal organizing body for professional women's tennis that is relocating its headquarters to Charlotte.

N.C. Commerce Department

This state agency administers the MEGA Fund and oversees the disbursement of grants based on in-state spending requirements.

Spectrum Center

This is the downtown Charlotte arena that will serve as the host venue for the WTA Finals.

The details

The MEGA Fund is sustained by 30% of annual sports betting tax revenue and is administered by the N.C. Commerce Department. Beyond the Finals, the WTA will relocate its global headquarters to Charlotte as part of the broader agreement.

2025: The MEGA Fund provided $3.7 million for two events.
2026: The MEGA Fund provided $16.3 million for 11 events.
2027-2029: The WTA Finals will be hosted in Charlotte.
2030: Potential start of a new WTA 500 event in the city.

Season Trajectory

The commitment follows the pattern set by the North Carolina Major Events, Games, and Attractions Fund, which recently leveraged state resources to secure 11 events in 2026. This move marks a strategic shift to anchor Charlotte as a permanent hub for professional tennis infrastructure and programming.

The arrival of the WTA Finals and headquarters represents a permanent addition to the local sports economy that could impact city hotel demand and future event scheduling. Residents and local businesses may see increased utilization of the Spectrum Center during the annual tournament weeks.

The takeaway

This agreement signals a major shift in how North Carolina invests state revenue to compete for professional sports assets. The success of the WTA transition will likely serve as a benchmark for future state-level bids on events like the NFL Draft.