Billie Jean King Still Globetrotting In Support Of Investment, Equity In Women’s Sports

NEW YORK —  Billie Jean King continues to tour the world in advocacy for greater equity and investment in women’s athletics.

She initiated the player draught for the new women’s professional hockey league in Toronto, attended the Women’s World Cup in Australia, and established a tennis business venture involving the international Billie Jean King Cup, an office in London.

All of that has transpired in King’s final three months before turning 80 in November.

“It’s almost a tipping point,” stated King. “In fact, individuals are considering women’s sports to be an excellent investment.”

She is a member of ownership parties for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Angel City FC of the NWSL, and the PWHL hockey league, which commences in January.

A 29-year-old King established the WTA, won the Wimbledon triple crown in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, obtained equal pay at the U.S. Open, and defeated self-proclaimed chauvinist Bobby Riggs in the “Battle of the Sexes” match during a similarly hectic summer of 1973.

Billie Jean King Still Globetrotting In Support Of Investment, Equity In Women’s Sports.

At her yearly awards dinner for the Women’s Sports Foundation in New York on Thursday, King will commemorate the 50th anniversary of equal prize money at the U.S. Open, and the King-Riggs match alongside approximately sixty athletes.

Former President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama attended the U.S. Open at Arthur Ashe Stadium in August to commemorate the pay equity milestone.

“Let us not forget that this transcends the remuneration of a champion,” Michelle Obama remarked during the opening night ceremony. “This pertains to the perception and esteem among women on a global scale.”

Billie Jean King Still Globetrotting In Support Of Investment, Equity In Women’s Sports.

The production company “Pressure is a Privilege,” a phrase associated with the 39-time Grand Slam champion King, was recently established. She is also the executive producer and presenter of the PBS documentary “Groundbreakers,” which premieres on November 21 and focuses on female athletes.

Members of Congress are endeavoring to bestow upon King the Congressional Gold Medal, regarded as one of the preeminent civilian honors in the United States. This medal is bestowed upon individuals whose accomplishments have made an enduring impact within their respective fields.

The following is an edited Q&A with King for conciseness and clarity.

SOURCE – (AP)