Written by Erik Gudris | @atntennis | Thursday, June 6, 2024
The WTA (Women’s Tennis Association) recently announced Portia Archer as its new CEO.
Archer joins the WTA from the NBA, where he held the position of Chief Operating Officer of the NBA G League. He will begin his new position with the WTA on July 29, 2024.
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Archer comes to WTA with more than 20 years of experience in the global sports and media industries, including senior positions at NBC Sports Group, HBO and the BBC.
In his most recent role as Chief Operating Officer of the NBA G League, he was responsible for overseeing all business and commercial activities of the NBA’s development division, driving growth and significant increases in fan engagement and commercial operations.
Welcome to the family! 💜
The WTA has appointed Portia Archer as its new CEO, further strengthening its leadership team. Archer joins the WTA from the NBA, where he held the position of Chief Operating Officer of the NBA G League.
— wta (@WTA) June 5, 2024
Portia Archer said in a statement, “The WTA is an organization that I have loved for a long time. They have been pioneers in the growth and development of women’s professional sports around the world, and I am delighted to have the opportunity to join the team as we launch our ambitions for the Tour and write the next chapter in the WTA story.”
As previously announced, the appointment of a new CEO allows Steve Simon, currently Chairman and CEO of the WTA, to assume the role of Chairman, focusing on management and strategic development. As CEO, Archer will lead the day-to-day strategy and operations of the Hologic WTA Tour and the WTA’s relationship with its player and tournament members.
Steve Simon, Chairman of the WTA, said, “I am delighted to welcome Portia to the WTA. She will be a great addition to our leadership team, bringing a wealth of management experience and helping drive efficiency across the organization as we work together to improve women’s tennis for the benefit of players, fans, partners and tournaments.”
The change comes at an important time for the WTA which has seen many of its players seek more input into the overall direction of the WTA.
It also comes at a time when the WTA is facing criticism, from some, for holding its next WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia later this year.
