End of an era: Steve Simon to step down as WTA Chairman in December

The WTA announced the end of Steve Simon's tenure as WTA Chairman in December, after a decade at the helm of the women's tennis association. Simon is a former player who held the CEO position for most of that period.

Simon is highlighted by the WTA website for his ambitious long-term plans for women's tennis and his advocacy for equal prize money since the WTA's founding. His leadership included a $400 million increase in compensation for players over the next 10 years and the closure of the WTA Foundation.

The American also played a key role in the partnership with CVC Capital Partners and the development of the new WTA Ventures division, a commercial arm founded in 2023 that seeks to accelerate the commercial growth of women's tennis for the direct benefit of the players, leveraging the personal brand of each star.

“Steve Simon, WTA Chairman, has informed the WTA Board of Directors of his intention to retire after a decade of service to the WTA and will step down from his role in December,” the official WTA accounts posted.

Simon was crucial in the decision to suspend WTA tournaments in China following the disappearance of Peng Shuai back in 2021. The American faced strong criticism back in 2023 when, at the WTA Finals in Cancun, players strongly complained about the state of the courts and the poor organization of the tournament, which ended with Simon resigning as CEO and becoming Chairman, being succeeded by Portia Archer.

“Leading the WTA over these 10 years has been an honor and I have been privileged to work with an amazing staff as well as many wonderful colleagues and friends across the tennis community," Steve Simon stated. "With an excellent leadership team and strong foundation in place, the WTA now has the structure, investment and talent to achieve its aspirations as it embarks on an exciting future. It is the right time for me to announce my retirement so that the Board has the fullest opportunity to appoint a new Chair that will lead the continued growth and development of this exceptional organization.

“Since day one, I have worked to deliver positive change and growth for women’s tennis, to advance the WTA values of progress, opportunity and empowerment, and to promote dialogue and collaboration between players, tournaments and partners across the game. I am proud of what we have accomplished and look forward to watching the continued rise of women’s tennis in years to come.”