Billy Jean King Receives Hollywood Walk of Fame Star, Celebrating Equality in Sports

In a historic moment for women’s sports, legendary tennis player and champion of equality, Billy Jean King, became the first female athlete to be honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This recognition, awarded in the newly established “Sports Entertainment” category, is a testament to her tremendous contributions to both athletics and advocacy.

A Lifetime of Accomplishments

King’s extraordinary career spans decades, during which she achieved numerous milestones, including:

• First female athlete to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
• First individual female athlete to be awarded a congressional gold medal.
• Founding the Women’s Sports Foundation and the Women’s Tennis Association.
• Capturing 39 Grand Slam titles, including a record 20 titles at Wimbledon.

King’s commitment to equality is perhaps most evident in her pivotal role in advocating for equal prize money in tennis, beginning with the US Open in 1973, and winning the iconic “Battle of the Sexes” against Bobby Riggs, a match that reshaped perceptions of women in sports.

Challenges Facing Women in Sports

Despite her successes, King is acutely aware that the fight for equality in sports continues. One of the major obstacles female athletes face today is establishing consistent audiences and sustainable leagues. “Look at the history of men’s sports; it took time for them to gain traction,” she noted, emphasizing the necessity of patience and persistence.

In her pursuit of greater financial equity for female athletes, King advocates for understanding the business dynamics of sports. “Learn the business you’re in,” she advises. “Do you know who ran the tournament you participated in?” She emphasizes the importance of inquiring about the financial health of events, highlighting the need for female athletes to grasp tournament operations, sponsorship, and media partnerships.

Paving the Way for Future Generations

King’s insights extend beyond tennis; she actively supports the launch of the new Women’s Professional Hockey League (PWHL). Partnering with her wife, former professional tennis player Ilana Cross, she has been instrumental in securing funding for the league, noting, “It’s always about money.”

Advocacy for Corporate Gender Equality

King’s activism extends to corporate boardrooms as well. In collaboration with Elf Beauty, she highlights the critical lack of female representation on corporate boards. Currently, women occupy only 30% of director positions in publicly traded companies in the U.S. She argues that an increase in female board members leads to improved decision-making, supported by research indicating that strategic impact rises when boards include multiple women.

The Transformational Power of Sports

King asserts the invaluable skills that sports provide, particularly for women aspiring to leadership roles. She shares that 94% of women in executive roles have participated in sports, with a substantial number competing at the collegiate level. King emphasizes that sports foster resilience and leadership qualities, stating, “I’ve always said that having knowledge of sports helps women navigate the professional landscape.”

Encouragement for the Next Generation

Reflecting on her own experiences, King urges young women to assert their identities: “Don’t let others define you. You define yourself.” She encourages girls to pursue their goals and interests unhindered by societal expectations, illustrating that determination and self-advocacy are crucial for success.

Recalling her early career, King recounts the stark discrepancies in compensation between male and female champions, including a £45 gift voucher for winning Wimbledon in 1967 compared to the $10,000 awarded to women in 1972 while male champions like Ilie Nastase earned significantly more. King’s advocacy has been instrumental in changing such inequities, resulting in the US Open being the first major tournament to offer equal prize money.

Looking Ahead

When asked about future aspirations for female athletes receiving stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, King expressed optimism, stating, “It’s the beginning, and that’s it. We hope to start identifying which female athletes deserve a star.” Her star now shines at 6284 Hollywood Boulevard, serving as a beacon for future generations.