What is the WTA?
The WTA (Women's Tennis Association) is the governing body of women's professional tennis — founded by Billie Jean King in June 1973 to unite the women's game, and today the operator of the global WTA Tour and the WTA Rankings.[1] [2] It is the leading women's professional sports organization in the world.[2]
What does the WTA govern?
The WTA Tour — 1000, 500 and 250 events worldwide plus the year-end WTA Finals — the WTA 125 level beneath it, tour rules and membership, and the weekly WTA Rankings, published since 1975.[1] [2]
Since when does the WTA exist?
Billie Jean King founded the association in London in June 1973, days before Wimbledon, consolidating the women's professional game; equal prize money at all four Grand Slams — a WTA cause for decades — was achieved in 2007.[2] The organization is currently in a leadership transition: CEO Portia Archer stepped down in April 2026.[3]
Why does the WTA matter?
The WTA Rankings are the objective merit ladder of women's tennis — the standard evidence of a player's world standing — and WTA titles and Finals qualification sit just below the Slams in the sport's hierarchy.[1] [2] As the most established women's professional sports body, the WTA's tour also carries broader significance for women's sport worldwide.[2]
References
- WTA — official site. Accessed August 2026.
- Wikipedia — Women's Tennis Association (background). Accessed August 2026.
- SportBusiness — Archer exits as WTA CEO. Accessed August 2026.