Source: Sportcal
In a move that signals continued commercial evolution in women’s tennis, WTA Ventures — the business arm of the Women’s Tennis Association — has appointed Jessica Chanderli as Senior Vice President of Media Rights.
This newly created role reflects the WTA’s ambition to professionalize and scale its media operations, with Chanderli now responsible for shaping and executing the tour’s global media rights strategy. She will oversee all relationships with broadcasters, digital platforms, and distribution partners, reporting directly to Teodora Ivanova-Limon, Chief Business Officer of WTA Ventures.
Strategic Experience from Roland-Garros to the WTA
Chanderli brings deep expertise to the WTA from her tenure as Head of Media Rights at the French Tennis Federation, where she led global distribution for the iconic Roland-Garros Grand Slam. Her standout achievements include brokering a major U.S. media rights deal with Warner Bros. Discovery, which brought tennis to its American platforms for the first time — a significant leap for international reach and innovation in sports broadcasting.
Her experience managing partnerships with over 100 platforms worldwide positions her well to scale WTA’s media footprint across diverse markets.
WTA Ventures CEO Marina Storti commented on the appointment:
“Jessica’s proven track record of innovative partnerships and commercial growth aligns perfectly with our vision. As we expand the WTA’s global media presence, her leadership will be instrumental in unlocking new value.”
Media Rights: The Engine Room of Growth
The appointment comes at a time when WTA Ventures is seeing strong commercial momentum, with a 25% year-on-year increase in revenue in 2024. This growth has been underpinned by a wave of new and renewed partnerships — most notably, a long-term media rights extension with Tennis Channel through 2032.
Created in March 2023 via a strategic partnership with CVC Capital Partners, WTA Ventures was established to professionalize and amplify the commercial ecosystem around women’s tennis. With the backing of private equity, a growing rights portfolio, and a refined media strategy, the WTA is evolving into a future-facing media property with serious global ambitions.
365247 Consultancy Take: Building a Media Model for Women’s Sport
Chanderli’s appointment reflects a broader shift in women’s sport — from exposure-first models to value-driven media ecosystems. While visibility remains a key goal, the next frontier is monetisation at scale, with tailored strategies for linear TV, digital streaming, social amplification, and cross-market localisation.
For sports properties across the spectrum, the lesson is clear:
Media rights aren’t just contracts — they’re levers of audience transformation, brand alignment, and long-term financial sustainability.
Partner With Us
Want to feature your brand, business, or service on 365247 — Whether you’re looking to sponsor, collaborate, or build presence within our ecosystem, we’d love to explore it with you.
Submit your Interest Here
IMAGE: Getty Images
