Portia Archer heads the WTA

The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) has appointed Portia Archer as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), replacing Steve Simon, who stepped down last year, the body that governs women’s world tennis has announced.

Portia Archer was previously an executive at the National Basketball Association (NBA) and will begin her new role at UTA on July 29, the association said in a statement. Steve Simon will remain President of WTA, focusing on governance and strategic development.

Steve Simon was heavily criticized by female competitors for the decision to hold the 2023 WTA final tournament outdoors in the Mexican resort of Cancun. This final was then moved to Saudi Arabia, also a much criticized decision.

“The WTA is an organization I have long admired. 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”, said Portia Archer.