Billie Jean King is a legendary former tennis champion and a globally recognised advocate for equality and social change. With an astonishing 39 Grand Slam titles to her name and having once held the prestigious title of World No.1, Billie remains a towering figure in the sporting world. She is celebrated not only for her immense achievements on the court but also for her unwavering advocacy for gender equality and LGBT rights. Billie is frequently invited to speak at events where she shares her remarkable journey – both the triumphs and the setbacks – and inspires audiences with her commitment to fairness, inclusion and resilience.
Billie began her professional tennis journey in 1959, debuting at just 15 years old at the US Championships. From a young age, she exhibited extraordinary talent and determination, which fuelled her rise to the top of the tennis world. Over the course of her career, she won 39 Grand Slam titles and became a driving force for change within the sport. She was instrumental in pushing for equal prize money for female players and was a founding member of the Virginia Slims Circuit, the first professional women’s tennis tour. Her early career is defined by both her remarkable success and her courage to speak out against inequality.
In the years that followed, Billie continued to shape the sporting landscape. In 1973, she became the first President of the Women’s Tennis Association, and went on to co-found “womenSports” magazine and the Women’s Sports Foundation. That same year, she famously defeated Bobby Riggs in the ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match – an iconic moment that challenged sexist attitudes and marked a significant milestone for women in sport. Her impact has been recognised with numerous awards, including the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the Arthur Ashe Courage Award, among many others.
Billie is now a highly respected motivational speaker, admired not only for her sporting accolades but for the deeply personal journey that informs her work today. Having navigated struggles with her sexuality and overcome barriers in both her personal and professional life, Billie brings authenticity and purpose to her speaking engagements. She connects with audiences through her advocacy for LGBT rights, diversity and inclusion, and her drive for social justice. With a powerful message rooted in resilience, equality and empowerment, Billie Jean King is hired as a speaker to inspire real change and encourage others to break down barriers – on the court and beyond.
