The ATP and WTA tours are locked in discussions about the possibility of voting for a potential merger scenario, reports The Telegraph.
This isn't the first time the idea has been floated around, but the latest update suggests a historic merger is now closer than ever.
If the agreement goes through, assets will be split 80 per cent in favour of the men and 20 per cent towards the women.
The British newspaper understands that the substantial difference reflects commercial reality, but the move would be a blessing in disguise for the WTA due to a 'synergies' clause.
Added profits are a major part of the concept, so the synergy would help generate a 50-50 split.
However, it is still waiting for the nod of approval from the ATP board and Masters 1000 tournaments until further discussions can occur.
One insider is confident that the agreement will benefit the women's tour, telling The Telegraph: "The WTA would be saving on agency fees and head counts and there’s a feeling that this could be a win for them."
Another insider, however, is more sceptical, saying: "If you’re setting up what is known as a ‘ratchet’ deal in the finance world, where revenues are split in different proportions depending on how big they are, then a lot depends on where you put the threshold.
"If the WTA allow the projected growth figures to be set at a high level, they’ll struggle to reach that 50-50 stage."
It is hoped that the governing bodies can strike a deal in time for the 2025 season.
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