Many people know the storied trajectory of Billie Jean King’s career and the internationally televised sporting event that helped propel her into the spotlight.
That would be the famous “Battle of the Sexes” match with Bobby Riggs, a male tennis player 26 years her senior whom she beat to win $100,000, disproving to male and female critics alike that women are just as good at — and worthy of — participating in sports as men.
“This was never just a tennis match,” King wrote in a Sept. 20, 2025 post on Facebook. “It was about equality, respect, and demonstrating that women belong on the same stage as men, in sports, in the boardroom, and beyond.”
Although King retired from professional tennis in 1983, she’s never stopped championing women’s sports, including in conversation with people she becomes acquainted with. Over the years people have thanked her for challenging Riggs and helping them see the potential in themselves or the loved ones in their lives who are women.
Launching a legacy
King has dedicated her career and life to shining a light on women in sports. She first established the Women’s Tennis Association four days before Wimbledon, in 1973, and founded the Women’s Sports Foundation the year after. And in addition to investing in women’s sports teams, such as the Los Angeles Sparks and the Angel City Football Club, she aided the formation of the Professional Women’s Hockey League, which currently has teams in Canada and the United States. and is expanding.
The best part, King said, is that it levels the playing field for young girls to play hockey just like their male peers. “You cannot believe how many tears I’ve seen in these different cities I’ve gone to where they (young girls) walk up and just are so excited,” King said. To be treated just like the men “means a lot” to the professional female hockey players.
Elevating other women
As to her advice for women and the institutions that teach them, King’s wisdom is simple: Understand the business and the history of your sport.
Knowing the history, King said, “shows you how to build something.” Knowing how the business of a sport works can give athletes a leg up and understand who gets paid, and for what, and what their rights are. That knowledge can also make for good fodder when investing, which King wants more women interested in sports to get involved with. “Someday that woman, that kid, is going to maybe own a tournament herself or contribute to women’s sports in some way. But she’s never going to get it if she doesn’t start to learn the business.”
When King isn’t motivating other women and institutions to encourage women in sports, you can find her on the tennis court. “[Playing tennis] makes such a difference,” said King, noting the sport helps her with her balance. “You’ve got to jump, you’ve got to get down, you’ve got the lateral movement, the forward movement. Oh, it’s fantastic, especially as you get older.”
As for equity in sports, King said there’s still work to be done. As she noted on Facebook: “The battle isn’t over, but time has demonstrated that progress is possible,” King wrote. “Keep showing up. And together, let’s keep going for it.”
