Steve Simon announces his retirement from the WTA
WTA Chairman Steve Simon has informed the organization’s board of directors of his intention to retire in December, the women’s tennis circuit announced this Thursday.
Simon, who was the tournament director of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California, for 13 years, took over as the CEO of the WTA in 2015.
Under her leadership, the women’s circuit committed to a $400 million increase in player compensation over the next 10 years. In addition, she created a foundation to boost its social impact in communities around the world and established a partnership with CVC Capital Partners to accelerate commercial growth and reinvest in the sport.
Last year, the WTA restructured its leadership, with Portia Archer, an executive from the NBA G League, taking over as CEO, while Simon focused on strategic development and governance as chairman.
Simon has been the subject of criticism in the past. Last year, both he and the circuit were sued by Ukrainian tennis player Lesia Tsurenko due to the way the situation of Russian and Belarusian players was handled amid the war in Ukraine.
In 2023, Hall of Fame members Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova questioned their decision to approve a lucrative three-year deal with Saudi Arabia to host the WTA Finals, despite concerns about LGBTQ+ and women’s rights in the country.
Simon also led a WTA boycott of China between 2021 and 2023 due to concerns about the well-being of Grand Slam doubles champion Peng Shuai. Peng disappeared from public view after accusing a Chinese government official of sexual assault. China was allowed to resume hosting tournaments after the WTA received assurances from people close to Peng that she was safe and living with her family in Beijing.
