Banking giant Barclays have announced that they are ending their association with the ATP as the title sponsors of the ATP World Tour Finals. This means that after the 2016 event, the last year of the existing contract between the ATP and Barclays, new sponsors will be required.
Barclays statement: “After what will have been eight great years as title sponsor of the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals it has been decided that we will not be extending our sponsorship beyond the 2016 tournament.
‘The tournament is a fantastic event, superbly organised by the ATP, and we are extremely proud of our part in helping establish it here in London. However, due to changes in commercial priorities at Barclays we have, after careful consideration, decided we will not be able to carry on as sponsor beyond the current term. “
The news comes in the wake of the ATP’s announcement of a deal with Peugeot to become the official ATP Car.
Though the season is in the final main week, with the ATP World Tour Finals set to end the season between 15-22 November, there has yet be an official announcement from the ATP Board regarding the home of the tournament after the event finishes its current stint in London this year.
There has been interest from Abu Dhabi, Rio de Janeiro, and New York in hosting the event. Despite this interest, speculation persists that London will enjoy a second extension. After its original five year run, the event enjoyed a further two year extension, the final year of which is 2015. A new three year deal is rumoured to be in the works, which would take extend London’s term as the host until 2018. The longer an official announcement is delayed, the more the likelihood that speculation will continue as to the future of the tournament.
Novak Djokovic is the current defending champion, winning last year’s event after Roger Federer was forced to withdraw on the day of the final with an injury.
