By Rob Schaefer
The WTA has named veteran sports business executive Valerie Camillo as its next chairperson, effective Nov. 17. Camillo, an SBJ Game Changers honoree in 2016, succeeds outgoing chair Steve Simon, who served in the role since 2015 and is retiring at the end of the year. Elevate Talent handled the search over the past five months, with support from Simon and an internal search committee.
Camillo’s three decades in the sports industry include stops as president & CEO of Spectacor Sports & Entertainment, chief revenue & marketing officer of the Nationals and SVP/Team Marketing & Business Operations of the NBA.
She joins the WTA at an inflection point for the organization, as it (along with the ATP and Grand Slams) navigates an antitrust suit levied by the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA); continues talks with the ATP about a potential merger of key commercial assets; and faces increased criticism from players about the sport’s demanding schedule. The WTA also two years ago launched a dedicated commercial arm, WTA Ventures, which has showed early returns driving increased revenue for the organization (+25% in 2024) and will be a key part of Camillo’s mandate to lead the tour’s next phase of growth.
In prepared remarks, Simon referred to Camillo as “an outstanding leader who brings vast expertise and experience from a 30-year career delivering growth, developing organizations and building effective relationships across sports and entertainment.”
WTA founder Billie Jean King added: “I’ve known Valerie for years, and she is a winner, and brings a passion for tennis, a wealth of knowledge of sports business and a fresh perspective for our future.”
