Women's tennis has secured a worldwide title sponsor for the next five years, announcing an estimated 40 million US dollars deal in New York on Wednesday with Sara Lee/DE and its body care brand Sanex.

Financial terms of the deal were not finished, but WTA Tour CEO Bart McGuire said they were "very, very satisfied" with its deal with Sanex.

In addition to the title sponsor fee that will have the women's circuit known as the Sanex WTA Tour from January 1, Sanex will pour additional money into advertising and promotional support.

The WTA Tour has been without a title sponsor for a year since its deal with computer software company Corel elapsed.

The deal features an unusual twist, as hospitality and other on- site benefits at Tour events in North America, 13 in the United States and three in Canada, will not come to Sanex, which does not yet market its product in the United States.

Frank Meysman, chairman of the Board of Management of Sara Lee/ DE, said that after two years, Sanex had the option to pick up the North American tournaments in two years.

"It is definitely our vision, we would like to have a worldwide brand called Sanex," Meysman told a news conference, suggesting that Sanex could exercise its option for the last three years.

Sanex is now marketed in 20 countries. The WTA Tour plays tournaments in 28 countries around the world. (Xinhua)