In 2024, Billie Jean King remained a vibrant and dynamic force in sports, making notable appearances and contributions across various athletic platforms. She began the year in Toronto, marking the launch of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), a project she had been passionate about for years. Throughout the year, King’s presence was felt at three of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments, where she shone as a commentator for the BBC at Wimbledon. Her engagements also included the Paris Olympics, where she famously interviewed Snoop Dogg, and celebrating the success of the Los Angeles Dodgers, in which she is a co-owner.
Other highlights for King in 2024 comprised attending the U.S. President’s State of the Union Address with her partner, Ilana Kloss, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Women’s Sports Foundation alongside Vice President Kamala Harris, delivering a commencement address at USC’s Annenberg School, and receiving the Congressional Gold Medal—making her the first individual woman athlete to receive this honor. Additionally, she was celebrated at the Hispanic Star Gala with fellow pioneer Rosie Casals and unveiled a statue of herself at California State, Los Angeles.
At 81, King reflected on her remarkable year, stating, “When people tell me about all the things we’re doing, I go, ‘Wow, that’s pretty good,’” showcasing her spirited attitude towards aging. She emphasized her commitment to the present and future of women’s athletics, noting that her greatest achievement has been transforming women’s tennis into a professional sport, which she commenced over fifty years ago. With the support of entrepreneur Mark Walter, King has mirrored this success with the PWHL, which aims to revolutionize women’s hockey.
King shared how Kendall Coyne, captain of the U.S. national hockey team, inspired her to initiate the PWHL, stressing the need for a dedicated professional league in women’s hockey. Her enthusiasm for team sports has been apparent since her youth, and she believes that women’s sports require substantial investment for growth.
Legends of the sport, such as Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova, acknowledge King’s profound influence on women’s tennis. Evert described King as a natural leader with boundless energy, while Navratilova credited her with placing women’s tennis on the global map through pivotal moments such as the Virginia Slims Tour and her iconic match against Bobby Riggs.
Looking ahead, King continues to assert that understanding the complexities of the sports industry is essential for today’s athletes, expressing her desire for players to inquire about the financial aspects of their rewards. Despite facing health challenges towards the year’s end, King is gearing up for an even busier 2025, highlighting her enduring commitment to advocacy. She plans to expand the PWHL, with potential new franchises on the horizon, reflecting her belief in the critical need for growth in women’s sports.
As King prepares for another active year, she illustrates that passion for sports and advocacy knows no age. Her ongoing energy and dedication serve as an inspiration, challenging us all to pursue our goals relentlessly.
In summary, Billie Jean King’s unwavering dedication to women’s sports and her vibrant presence throughout 2024 has fostered significant advancements, showcasing her role as a trailblazer. As she continues to inspire and innovate, we can remain hopeful about the future of women’s athletics.