Who is Valerie Camillo? Insights on the new WTA leader with experience in NBA, MLB, NHL & Billie Jean King's views on her appointment

Valerie Camillo has been announced as the new chairman of women's tennis' governing body, the Women's Tennis Association (WTA). She is set to begin working in her new position from Monday, November 17, this year, as she takes over the reigns from outgoing chairman, Steve Simon.

On Tuesday, October 28, the official X (formerly Twitter) handle of the WTA confirmed the development, writing:

"The WTA today announces the appointment of Valerie Camillo as its new Chair, charged with leading the next phase of growth for women’s professional tennis. Camillo will begin her role on November 17, 2025, working with the WTA Board to guide and implement the organization’s long-term vision and strategy at a time of tremendous opportunity for players, fans, tournaments, and partners worldwide."

Possessing significant experience in working across a diverse array of prominent sporting bodies such as the NBA, MLB and NHL, Camillo was chosen for the role, according to the official website of the WTA, for her:

"Alignment with the WTA’s vision for continued growth, her reputation as an innovative and respected leader, her collaborative style, and her proven record of commercial success."

Billie Jean King, a former World No. 1 in both women's singles and doubles, 12-time singles Major champion and the founder of the WTA, sent a resounding message of support for Camillo in the wake of the development. The 81-year-old living legend told the official website of women's tennis' governing body:

"Valerie’s appointment as the WTA Chair is a strong move for the organization and her strength and leadership in sports and entertainment will benefit everyone involved in the WTA. 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."

"We’ll continue to grow this extraordinary sport" - Valerie Camillo on her commitment to women's tennis' progress after being appointed as WTA Chair

A net at the 2025 Madrid Open displaying the logo of the WTA Tour (Source: Getty)

Valerie Camillo herself outlined her desire to take women's tennis forward as the new WTA Chair. Recognizing the women's sport as the number one in the world among all women's sporting disciplines, Camillo told WTA's official website:

"I’m honored to lead the world’s number one women’s sport at such a pivotal time. The WTA has long been a force for progress, pushing boundaries for athletes and fans alike. Women’s tennis isn’t just watched—it’s lived and loved by people around the world. Together, we’ll continue to grow this extraordinary sport and ensure it leads the way for women everywhere."

The WTA, founded by Billie Jean King in June 1973, has gone to great lengths over the years to bridge the gap between men's and women's prize money in tennis. Its efforts have led to numerous tournaments, including all four Majors, offering equal prize money to men and women.

Edited by Sudipto Pati