Billie
Jean
King
Visionary. Pioneer. Legend. As a tennis champion and social activist, Billie Jean King lives her life according to the principles of equality, empowerment, and access.
Read BJK's StoryBreaking Barriers
Named one of the “100 Most Important Americans of the 20th Century” by LIFE magazine, Billie Jean King’s greatest desire is to empower the next generation with the tools to do better than the one before it. An influential visionary who is both highly respected and strikingly innovative, Billie Jean King’s legacy is ever-evolving.
90 Million Viewers
Battle of the Sexes
In 1973, 90 million people worldwide watched Billie Jean King defeat Bobby Riggs in the “Battle of the Sexes,” 6-4, 6-3, 6-3. No other sporting event has played a more significant role in developing greater respect and recognition for women athletes.
Off the Court
The Fight for Equality
A longtime champion for social justice and equality, Billie Jean King is a preeminent voice in the national conversation surrounding gender equality.
“YOU HAVE TO SEE IT TO BE IT.”
Billie Jean KingGrand Slam tennis titles
Career victories at Wimbledon
Battle of the Sexes viewership
Tennis Royalty
Greatness on the Court
With 39 Grand Slam titles to her name, including a record 20 titles at Wimbledon, Billie Jean King is one of the greatest tennis players of all time. She held the world #1 ranking in women’s tennis for six of the ten years from 1966 through 1975.
Coming to a Theater Near You
Battle of the Sexes Movie
In September 2017, Fox Searchlight Pictures will release the film Battle of the Sexes, starring Emma Stone as Billie Jean and Steve Carell as Bobby Riggs. One of the most watched televised sports events of all time, the Battle of the Sexes was more than a tennis match. It was a cultural spectacle playing out in front of an audience of 90 million viewers around the world at the height of the women’s movement.
News & Press
Making Headlines
Whether she’s in the news, on the news, or writing about the news, one thing is for certain. Billie Jean King always has something to say.