Charlotte Bids for 2027 WTA Finals
Located in North Carolina, Charlotte is vying to host the 2027 WTA Finals.
According to the Charlotte Business Journal, a WTA inspection team arrived in Charlotte last week and met with the bid group, but the bidding process has not yet begun.
As early as 2023, after failing to secure the tournament license for the Cincinnati Open, Charlotte turned its sights to the WTA Finals but ultimately lost to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In November 2026, the WTA will complete its three-year commitment in Riyadh. Now, Charlotte has once again become a top candidate for the Finals.
Charlotte, the largest city in North Carolina, is known as the "financial center of the Southeast" in the U.S. and has a strong sports culture. The Spectrum Center, home of the NBA's Charlotte Hornets, has hosted tennis exhibition matches. The event organizer, the Charlotte Sports Foundation, is leading this bid. The foundation stated that they "have always been interested in bringing tennis events to the region, including working with the WTA and other organizations to explore future opportunities."
Above: In 2024, Alcaraz, Keys, Tiafoe and others participated in a tennis exhibition at the Spectrum Center. The venue was packed.
The Spectrum Center's $245 million renovation was completed in October 2025, adding a significant number of premium seats, increasing lower-bowl capacity, offering more diverse dining options, and optimizing the venue's concourses and entrances. These upgrades are highly attractive to event producers, promoters, and sports leagues.
In response to rumors about Charlotte's bid, the WTA stated:
"We have a fantastic opportunity to bring the WTA Finals—a world-class premier event showcasing the highest level of women's tennis—to a new home. This is a historic moment for women's sports, and we are engaging in conversations with potential partners globally. No decision has been made regarding the host city for the 2027 Finals, but as with all decisions concerning the future of the WTA, we are working closely with players and remain focused on building a strong future for women's tennis."
| Sources: Charlotte Business Journal; Bounce; SportsPro
| Image credits: WCCB; City of Charlotte official website