Billie Jean King

Billie Jean King – First Female Athlete to be named Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year

Billie Jean King is a sporting legend and social trailblazer whose influence extends far beyond the tennis court. A former World No. 1, she claimed 39 Grand Slam titles, including 20 at Wimbledon, cementing her place among the greatest players in history. Her iconic 1973 “Battle of the Sexes” victory against Bobby Riggs became a defining moment for gender equality in sport, watched by over 90 million people worldwide. Beyond her record-breaking career, Billie has dedicated her life to advancing women’s rights and LGBTQ+ inclusion, earning recognition as one of the most influential figures of the 20th century.

Speaking Topics:

1973 Battle of the Sexes
Inclusion in Sport
Overcoming Adversity
Equal Pay, Equal Work

Credentials and Impact

After retiring from professional tennis, Billie Jean quickly transitioned her influence into leadership and advocacy roles. In 1974, she founded the Women’s Sports Foundation, which has since provided millions in grants and scholarships to support girls and women in athletics. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Billie expanded her influence as a coach and mentor, while also being inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame (1987) and the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame (1999).

Recognition continued into the 21st century, with honours including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009, awarded by President Barack Obama for her advocacy of gender and LGBTQ+ equality, and the French Legion of Honour. Her passion for inclusion later led to the creation of World TeamTennis, a co-ed professional league, and in 2014, the Billie Jean King Leadership Initiative, focusing on diversity and equal opportunity in the workplace.

Across these years, Billie’s service has extended to board positions with the Elton John AIDS Foundation. She has also become a part-owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB), Los Angeles Sparks (WNBA), and Angel City FC (NWSL), ensuring her influence spans across multiple sports. She was also the recipient of the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018, cementing her legacy as a changemaker.

Publications and Media

Billie Jean has shared her story and insights through acclaimed publications and media. Her memoir, ‘All In’, offers an intimate look at her life, activism, and career. She has co-authored books on tennis and equality, contributed articles to leading outlets, and been featured in countless interviews and documentaries. Her legacy reached global audiences through the 2017 film Battle of the Sexes, which brought her landmark match and advocacy to the big screen.

Why Book Billie Jean?

Billie Jean is a global icon whose voice resonates far beyond the tennis court. When booked for events, she engages audiences with authentic stories about her journey as an athlete and activist, highlighting the importance of leadership, perseverance, and equality. Her experiences translate into actionable lessons that inspire individuals and organisations to embrace diversity and foster inclusive environments where everyone can thrive.

Her influence as a speaker is amplified by her TED Talk, “This tennis icon paved the way for women in sports,” where she explores the fight for equal pay and representation, drawing connections to challenges faced across industries today. In keynotes worldwide, Billie encourages audiences to think bigger, act with courage, and lead with integrity. Booking Billie Jean King guarantees a speaker who motivates, educates, and empowers, leaving a lasting impact on every audience she addresses.

To book Billie Jean to speak at your event, call SpeakOut on +44 (0) 20 8914 8966. Alternatively, complete our contact form to begin your enquiry