WTA chairman Steve Simon announces retirement after 10 years of service

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — WTA Tour chairman Steve Simon has informed the organization's board of directors he plans to retire in December, the women's tennis circuit announced Thursday.

Simon was tournament director of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California, for 13 years before he was hired as chief executive of the WTA in 2015.

Under his watch, the women's circuit committed to a $400 million increase in player compensation over the next 10 years, created a foundation to elevate its social impact in communities around the world and entered a partnership with CVC Capital Partners to accelerate commercial growth and drive reinvestment in the sport.

Last year, the WTA restructured its leadership, with NBA G League executive Portia Archer taking over as CEO and Simon focusing on strategic development and governance as chairman.

Read More: WTA's Steve Simon to relinquish CEO duties, stay on as Executive Chairman; President Micky Lawler leaves tour

Simon has been a target for criticism. Last year, he and the tour were sued by Ukrainian tennis player Lesia Tsurenko because of the way it has handled Russian and Belarusian players amid the war in Ukraine.

In 2023, Hall of Famers Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova questioned how he could sign off on a lucrative three-year deal with Saudi Arabia to host the WTA Finals despite questions about LGBTQ+ and women's rights there.

Simon also led a WTA boycott of China from 2021-23 over concerns about Grand Slam doubles champion Peng Shuai's well-being. Peng dropped out of public view after she accused a Chinese government official of sexual assault. China was allowed to host tournaments again after the WTA received assurances from people close to Peng that she was safe and living with her family in Beijing.

Steve Simon's statement:

“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. 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.”