A world where girls and women thrive
Just as the WTA was born to break barriers in tennis, the WTA Foundation empowers girls and women to live fully and supports WTA communities worldwide through initiatives promoting equality, education, leadership, and health & wellness.
ANN AUSTIN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
As Vice President of Community Development & Charitable Programs for the WTA and Executive Director of WTA Foundation, Ann Austin leads the global philanthropic strategy of women's professional tennis. In her dual role, she oversees community outreach, strategic partnerships, and mission-driven initiatives that advance the WTA's longstanding commitment to empowering girls and women through tennis.
Since joining the WTA in 2000, Austin has played a central role in shaping the organization's culture of service and engagement. A member of the WTA Leadership Team, she has worked closely with players, partners, tournaments, and board members, managing projects and high-level communications across the Board of Directors, Executive Leadership, and the WTA Global Advisory Council.
Following the incorporation of the WTA Foundation in 2016, Austin was appointed as the foundation's first administrator and tasked with building a sustainable philanthropic framework to serve players and communities around the world. Under her leadership, the foundation has expanded its global impact through programs that promote equality, education, leadership, and health and wellness.
Under her leadership, the WTA Foundation has launched several global programs, including the Global Women's Health Fund in partnership with the Gates Foundation and UNICEF to improve access to women's health services around the world. She also led the development of ACEing Cancer presented by Hologic, a campaign to raise funds and awareness in the fight against women's cancers, and WTA Come Play presented by Morgan Stanley, which expands opportunity and access to tennis and wellness programming worldwide by fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. Additionally, she oversaw the launch of the WTA Community Fund, which supports players' and tournaments' philanthropic efforts. At the outset of the Ukraine war, Austin oversaw the Tennis Plays for Peace campaign, working with the ATP, ITF, and Grand Slams to raise more than $3.5 million in emergency relief.
Prior to her time at the WTA, Austin built a career in the nonprofit and international development sectors, serving as Coordinator of Programs for the U.S. Africa Free Enterprise Education Foundation, Special Events Fundraiser for Metropolitan Ministries, and Trade Development Specialist for the U.S.-Mexico Chamber of Commerce.
A strategic connector and steadfast advocate for social impact, Ann Austin has become a driving force behind the WTA's philanthropic evolution, ensuring that the power of sport is harnessed to uplift communities and transform lives.
STEVE SIMON, PRESIDENT
Serving as the WTA CEO for nearly 10 years from October 2015 to August 2024, Steve Simon transitioned to Chairman of the WTA Board of Directors and the WTA Ventures Board of Directors.
Since his appointment as CEO of the WTA in 2015, Simon has marked his tenure as an instigator of change, spearheading ambitious plans to deliver long-term growth for women's tennis. An advocate for progressive dialogue between players, tournaments, and governing bodies, Simon has fostered an evolution of uniting the sport on issues such as rules, women's leadership, investment, and technology.
Simon was instrumental in establishing the WTA Foundation, creating a unified platform to amplify the philanthropic efforts of the WTA and its global community.
His strategic guidance has delivered a trend of landmark partnerships for the WTA, including a title partner in 2022 with Hologic, Morgan Stanley in 2023, the Gates Foundation, and PIF in 2024. In addition, the groundbreaking partnership with private equity company CVC Capital Partners launched in 2023, paving an accelerated pathway for the WTA to elevate its brand.
Simon has set a groundbreaking standard in women's sports, championing equal pay. In May 2023, the WTA announced a $400 million increase in prize money over the next decade, with a pledge to achieve equal prize money by 2033.
Simon has also modernized the Tour's circuit structure and event calendar, aligning it more closely with the ATP to simplify and empower fan engagement. This included establishing a strong foundation of 10 WTA 1000 tournaments, upgrading WTA 500 events, and fostering regional 250 tournaments to nurture future talent.
Before leading the WTA, Simon made significant contributions to the sport during his 11 years as a WTA Board Member and 13 years as the Tournament Director of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California. Under his leadership at Indian Wells, the WTA and ATP combined events became the world's largest and most attended tennis tournament.
Simon's career in tennis was inspired on the court, as a collegiate tennis player at Long Beach State University and then as a national tennis specialist for Adidas. There, he contributed to developing and managing all national junior, collegiate, and teaching professional programs, as well as managing the regional sales office and sponsorship and promotional programs.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Steve Simon – WTA Director
Bob Moran – Tournament Director
Brandon Burke – Player Director
Jan Soderstrom – Independent Director
Tracy Austin – Alumnae Director
Daniela Hantuchova – Alumnae Director
Pam Shriver – Alumnae Director
WTA FOUNDATION OFFICERS
Steve Simon – President
Ann Austin – Executive Director
Portia Archer – Treasurer
Chauntell Bobo – Secretary
WTA Foundation and Gates Foundation campaign —Women Change the Game— urge action on women’s health and nutrition
Over 50 years ago, women changed the game of tennis. Since then, we haven’t stopped showing the world just how powerful healthy, strong women can be.
Today, we are taking a stand for women everywhere—because when we champion each other, we all win. The WTA Foundation and the Gates Foundation have joined forces to launch Women Change the Game, a campaign in support of UNICEF that harnesses the combined power of women's tennis and philanthropy to rally the world to close the women’s health gap.
"I WANT TO USE SPORTS FOR SOCIAL CHANGE."
Billie Jean King
OUR GOALS
EQUALITY
Advocate for equality for all people irrespective of gender, age, race, nationality, disability, spiritual beliefs, or sexual preference.
EDUCATION
Promote initiatives to educate girls & women to live fully.
LEADERSHIP
Support programs creating pathways to leadership roles for girls & women.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Ensure health & wellness for girls and women worldwide.
WTA Foundation news
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"SPORTS ARE A GREAT PLACE TO SHOW THAT EQUALITY CAN HAPPEN."
Venus Williams
Join the Fight Against Women's Cancers
The WTA Foundation ACEing Cancer by Hologic campaign is transforming the fight against women's cancers, one ace at a time.
Every time an ace is served during singles competition at WTA 1000 and 500 tournaments around the world, Hologic makes a donation. The campaign culminates at the WTA Finals Riyadh, but the impact continues far beyond.
Your support today will fund groundbreaking cancer research and provide critical resources to nonprofit organizations in WTA communities globally, helping women with cancer prevention, treatment, and recovery. A portion of the proceeds from the ACEing Cancer campaign will co-fund an American Cancer Society grant to a pioneering researcher in collaboration with our partner, Cancer Research Racquet.
Your donation matters. Each gift brings us closer to a cure, supports essential research, and strengthens the fight against women’s cancers. Help us ensure every woman has the opportunity to live a healthy, vibrant life.
Donate now and be a part of the movement to end women’s cancers.