Portia Archer was named the WTA’s CEO in June 2024. Bringing more than 20 years of sports and media excellence to the WTA, Archer joins during a pivotal time of transformation in women’s tennis and brings an array of assets with her to propel the WTA even further. With a track record of capturing opportunities at the intersection of media, technology and entertainment, Archer is responsible for advancing the day-to-day business strategy and operations of the Hologic WTA Tour while progressing player and tournament relationships.
In collaboration with Executive Chairman Steve Simon and WTA Ventures CEO Marina Storti, Archer is focused on breaking new barriers for the sport and continuing to elevate the Tour’s global platform and operational performance across fans, athletes, and tournaments.
Before joining the WTA, Archer was the first Chief Operating Officer of the NBA G League. Responsible for strategy, commercial and business operations, Archer took on a “disruptor role,” reimagining and growing the NBA’s development league into the premier pathway to the NBA.
Earmarked by a rise to over 50% of NBA players with ties to the G League, Archer drove expansion to an all-time high of 32 teams, achieving record fan engagement and commercial growth. Prior to the NBA, Archer served as SVP and GM, Direct to Consumer at NBC Sports Group, leading global sports rights acquisition strategy, launch, and management of NBC’s first direct-to-consumer, live-streaming business. Archer also served as Vice President of Global Distribution and Digital at HBO, expanding reach and digital channels in 15+ international territories. Archer also held executive leadership positions at the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) as well as Booz Allen Hamilton.
Recognized by Adweek as one of the “Most Powerful Women in Sports” and a “Game Changer” by Sports Business Journal, while also spotlighted in Sports Illustrated as “100 Influential Black Women in Sports,” Archer earned an MBA in Management and Finance from Columbia Business School and a BA in Public Policy and Economics from the University of Chicago, where she was a collegiate basketball player.
In addition to her professional career, Archer is an adjunct professor in the Sports Management Graduate Program at Columbia University. Archer is also a passionate champion of advancing women and girls, serving as a Trustee and Executive Board Member of the Women’s Sports Foundation, founded by Billie Jean King and a supportive mentor to women and girls. Archer resides in Westchester County, NY. When she is not traveling on the Hologic WTA Tour, Archer enjoys the beach and spending time with her family and loved ones.