Tennis icon Billie Jean King has long been a champion for women’s rights and sports, asserting that significant work remains to be done. King made headlines in 1973 with her historic victory over tennis champion Bobby Riggs in the celebrated “Battle of the Sexes.” The match captured the attention of over 90 million viewers globally, laying the groundwork for the 2017 film about that monumental event, starring Emma Stone and Steve Carell.
As a pioneer in advocating for female athletes, King co-founded the Women’s Tennis Association and served as its first president. Her passionate lobbying led to the landmark achievement of equal prize money for men and women at the U.S. Open, making it the first major tournament to implement this critical change. With the 2025 U.S. Open approaching in New York City, King sat down with CNBC’s Alex Sherman for a comprehensive discussion on the current landscape of women’s sports, the collaboration across men’s and women’s tennis leagues, and her views on aging.
Reflecting on her upbringing, King noted that her father believed in her as much as he did in her younger brother. “We’re taught not to ask for what we want and need,” she stated, emphasizing the crucial role of power dynamics in women’s rights advocacy. King recounted how women who bravely voice their needs can instigate real changes within sports. For instance, during an encounter with former NBA Commissioner David Stern at the U.S. Open, King requested his assurance that he would support the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) to ensure its success. Stern’s commitment led to necessary financial support that stabilized the league.
King also highlighted the efforts of hockey legend Kendall Coyne Schofield, who approached King and her wife, Ilana Kloss, for mentorship in establishing the Professional Women’s Hockey League, which debuted in 2024. “I told her, ‘You have no idea how brave you are, because most girls don’t have the guts to even ask,’” King recalled. “But now we have a league because she asked.”
Moreover, King believes in the growing collaboration between male and female tennis players, although she continues to push for unification between the ATP and WTA. “That’s my prayer for the future,” she remarked.
When it comes to aging, King views it as an opportunity rather than a setback. She and her wife aim to play tennis together three times a week, referencing studies that suggest participating in tennis can add nearly a decade to one’s life. “I want that extra time,” she added.
Recently, Lyft announced its partnership with King as part of its “Silver is Gold” campaign, aimed at changing perceptions around aging. King praised Lyft Silver, a service tailored for older adults that features larger fonts, live tech support, and vehicles that are easier to enter. This initiative not only promotes independence for seniors but also enriches their quality of life.
While pickleball has surged in popularity among older generations, King remains devoted to tennis. “I’ve played it a couple of times, but I don’t love the sound,” she shared. To King, the joy of tennis lies in the exhilarating moment when the ball strikes the strings, a magic she plans to enjoy as long as possible.
Billie Jean King’s journey continues to inspire as she advocates for equality in sports, paving the way for future generations while embracing the joys of life and sport.
Original Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/08/26/tennis-billie-jean-womens-sports.html
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Publish Date: 2025-08-26 20:35:00
