Portia Archer announced as new CEO of WTA

The Women’s Tennis Association has appointed Portia Archer as its new CEO.

Archer joins the tennis governing body from the NBA, where she held the position of Chief Operating Officer of the NBA G League.

“The WTA is an organization I have long admired,” Archer said in a statement.

“It has pioneered the growth and development of women’s professional sport around the world, and I am excited to have the opportunity to join the team as we deliver our ambitions for the Tour and write the next chapter of the WTA story.”

Archer will replace Steve Simon on July 29, 2024. Simon has been in the role since 2015, but announced he was standing down last year after a controversial season full of player discontent about pay disparities with the ATP, scheduling issues and the now notoriously ill-fated 2023 WTA Finals in Cancun. Further problems regarding financial difficulties and controversy around a closer alignment with Saudi Arabia also continue to hang over the organisation.

However, Simon will remain in his pre-existing role as WTA chairman alongside Archer.

“I am delighted to welcome Portia to the WTA,” Simon said.

“She will be a fantastic addition to our leadership team, bringing a wealth of management experience and helping to drive operational excellence across the organization as we work together to further elevate women’s tennis for the benefit of players, fans, partners and tournaments.”

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