The future of tennis — What we know about the two proposals that may change the sport

The sport of tennis might be on the verge of some major changes.

Over the past several years, players have become increasingly vocal about their concerns, ranging from equal pay to challenging travel and tournament conditions to economic hardships for lower-ranked players.

Now, it seems that the sport might be on the brink of substantial changes that could address some of those complaints — and increase revenue for all of the sport’s shareholders.

There have been two different proposals gaining traction — one backed by the four Grand Slam tournaments and the other by the ATP and WTA tours — and both could have significant effects on the tennis landscape for years to come.

So, what does this all mean? ESPN spoke to several sources involved in the sport — both on and off the record — and here’s what we know so far about the proposed changes in tennis.

What are the proposals currently being discussed?

While many of the specific details remain unknown, there are two — not entirely mutually exclusive — proposals that have gained momentum in recent weeks among tennis’ chief governing bodies. The first involves the inclusion of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) and a 1000-level event (the highest level of tournament outside of the majors and the year-end finals) for both the ATP and WTA in the country. It would also combine commercial assets, including media rights, between the ATP and the WTA.

The second, perhaps more radical, idea has come from the four Grand Slams (Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and US Open) and their respective federations, and would create what is currently being called the “Premier Tour.” The tour would essentially supplant the ATP and WTA and would hold approximately 10 tournaments, in addition to the four majors, as well as an international team event and a year-end final, all featuring the top men and women and offering equal prize money. A lower-tier tour would also be created for players outside the expected cutoff of the top 100.

What more do we know about the one involving Saudi Arabia’s PIF?

Essentially, Saudi Arabia wants to host a 1000-level event — the highest tournament tier outside of the majors and the year-end finals — for men and women, awarding equal prize money. As the tennis calendar is mostly full of events around the globe and a seemingly ever-shortening offseason, the tournament would likely be held in January, ahead of the Australian Open and…