Courtney McBride – Women’s Tennis Association

Courtney McBride’s career reflects a blend of strategic discipline, personal conviction, and a commitment to the people behind the sport. As chief legal officer of the WTA (Women’s Tennis Association), she operates at the intersection of law, governance, and global athletics, helping guide an organization that continues to redefine women’s professional sports.

Courtney McBride | Women’s Tennis Association | Chief Legal Officer

Growing up, McBride was surrounded by conversations about justice and accountability. Her father’s work as an FBI agent left a lasting impression, instilling an early interest in law enforcement and courtroom advocacy. She entered law school intent on becoming a criminal prosecutor.

That ambition evolved as she gained exposure to different areas of law. During private practice, she found she was more drawn to the forward-looking nature of corporate law than litigation. Structuring deals and building organizations offered a different kind of challenge, one rooted in shaping outcomes rather than reacting to them.

“I thought I wanted to be in the courtroom, but I realized I was much more interested in building something than arguing about what already happened,” McBride says.

Her academic foundation, including a criminology degree from the University of Florida and a law degree from the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, supported that pivot. Early roles in private practice and at the American Stock Exchange built her expertise in governance and transactions, giving her a strong platform for the next phase of her career.

Building a career at the WTA

A former junior tennis player, it seemed to be kismet when McBride joined the WTA in 2008, stepping into a legal department of only three attorneys. Over the next 18 years, she grew alongside the organization, taking on increasing responsibility as its operations expanded and its business model evolved. There are now nine in-house counsel across WTA and its commercial arm, WTA Ventures.

The WTA, founded in 1973 by Billie Jean King with the vital support of more than 60 pioneering athletes, was created to establish equal opportunities for women in tennis. Today, it represents more than 1,600 athletes and 90 global events, while continuing to advocate for equity and protect the future of women’s professional tennis.

McBride’s progression reflects both expertise and adaptability. From early legal roles to general counsel and now chief legal officer, she has helped shape the organization’s legal infrastructure while responding to a rapidly changing sports and entertainment landscape.

Her leadership has been critical as the WTA has faced challenges beyond the court. From geopolitical tensions affecting players and tournaments to COVID-19 disruptions, McBride has been at the center of high-stakes decision-making that directly impacts WTA stakeholders and Tour operations.

She now oversees legal operations, governance, safeguarding and security, managing a global team while expanding capabilities and bringing in talent from other sports leagues to introduce new thinking and approaches.

Driving growth & protecting integrity

McBride played a central role in launching WTA Ventures, strengthening the organization’s commercial foundation and long-term sustainability. The initiative reflects a broader evolution within sports, where leagues are increasingly focused on building durable, diversified revenue streams.

At the same time, she has been instrumental in safeguarding the integrity of the sport. Her work in helping establish the International Tennis Integrity Agency addresses issues such as anti-doping, match-fixing, and the growing influence of sports betting.

“The integrity side keeps me up at night, because the stakes are so high for the sport and for our players,” McBride says.

Tennis is one of the most heavily bet-on sports, creating unique risks. McBride has helped shape policies that balance commercial opportunity with ethical responsibility, including gambling-related endorsements and careful oversight of how betting intersects with the sport.

Her work also extends to athlete safeguarding and security. The WTA has created a dedicated safeguarding department and expanded resources to address social media abuse in response to player concerns and evolving threats.

“Players are increasingly reporting incidents of misconduct, some of which happened years ago, and it’s our responsibility to empower them to come forward knowing that they will be supported and their concerns addressed,” McBride says.

She also provides guidance in connection with discussions about the structure of the Tour and tennis calendar, which requires consideration of both athlete well-being and tournament viability, as players navigate a 50-plus week schedule that requires performance at the highest level.

Navigating complexity in a global sport

The structure of the WTA and the global nature of tennis present unique challenges and opportunities. WTA players are independent contractors and equal members to the tournaments, with the WTA as the representative body, requiring careful alignment between organizational priorities and member interests.

This complexity is reflected in the lawsuits the WTA has faced over the years, including a pending antitrust lawsuit. These cases have required significant time and attention, placing McBride at the forefront of consequential legal battles that have implications for other sports.

Beyond litigation, her role requires adapting to shifting global conditions. Political developments can directly impact tournaments and player safety, requiring careful planning, collaboration, and contingency strategies.

“We have our players at the table for every major decision, and that’s essential because this is their Tour,” McBride says.

Leading with purpose & perspective

Despite the demands of her role, McBride remains committed to promoting balance so that her team, too, can have long legal careers. As a working mother, she has advocated for flexible work arrangements and policies that support both employees and athletes through different life stages.

“My mother exemplified that personal fulfillment and professional growth do not have to be at the expense of each other,” McBride says. The WTA’s evolving maternity policies reflect that philosophy, enabling players to more easily return to competition after starting a family while maintaining their careers. She is also focused on equipping her team to be future leaders within the sports industry.

“I never want to be so removed that I’m not in the mix of the day-to-day legal realities, because that’s what keeps the work meaningful,” McBride says.

Outside of work, she prioritizes family, fitness, and community involvement, maintaining an equilibrium and empathy that informs her leadership style and decision-making.

Looking ahead, McBride is focused on guiding the WTA through continued transformation. From refining the competition calendar to expanding commercial initiatives and addressing legal challenges, her goals remain aligned with the organization’s core purposes and new strategies.

Her work is ultimately about stewardship. She is helping protect the integrity of the sport, support its athletes and events, and ensure the WTA continues to lead as a global force in women’s athletics. In doing so, she is shaping a model of leadership that reflects both ambition and responsibility, with a long-term vision for the sport and the people who define it.