Billie Jean King

Billie Jean King Speaker Biography

Sports Icon, Social Justice & Equality Pioneer

Billie Jean King is widely celebrated as a tennis legend and top LGBTQ+ rights speaker, a title earned through decades of activism and excellence. Beyond her unmatched athletic achievements, she has broken barriers across sports, gender, and society. For over 50 years, Billie Jean King has used her platform to champion equality and social justice. Moreover, she continues to inspire new generations of leaders, athletes, and change agents around the world. A pioneering advocate for women’s rights and LGBTQ+ inclusion, she has not only shaped tennis history but also modern civil rights dialogue. Billie Jean King believes progress is not just about breaking records—it’s about breaking norms and lifting others along the way. As a globally respected keynote speaker, her message remains powerful, timely, and transformative.

Tennis Legend

Billie Jean King captured 39 Grand Slam titles, including 12 singles, 16 doubles, and 11 mixed doubles championships. Her dominance on the court was only matched by her courage off it. In 1970, she and eight other women revolutionized tennis by accepting symbolic $1 contracts to join the Virginia Slims Series. Although it was a risk, their defiance birthed the Women’s Tennis Association and laid the foundation for modern women’s pro tennis. Billie Jean King’s bold move forever changed the business of sports and the visibility of female athletes. Even today, she urges sports organizations to fight for pay equity and opportunity. Because of this legacy, she is frequently requested as a keynote speaker for equality-focused conferences. As a tennis legend and top LGBTQ+ rights speaker, Billie Jean King continues to redefine what it means to win.

The Battle of the Sexes

In 1973, Billie Jean King faced off against Bobby Riggs in one of the most iconic matches in sports history. Dubbed “The Battle of the Sexes,” the match drew over 30,000 spectators to the Houston Astrodome and 50 million television viewers across 37 countries. Though Riggs was favored, Billie Jean King triumphed in straight sets: 6–4, 6–3, 6–3. Her victory transcended tennis—it was a cultural tipping point in the fight for gender equality. The story was later brought to life in the 2017 film Battle of the Sexes, starring Emma Stone as Billie Jean King and Steve Carell as Bobby Riggs. The match remains one of the most watched televised sports events in history. As Billie Jean King often notes, it wasn’t just a game—it was a statement. This moment helped solidify her status as both a tennis legend and top LGBTQ+ rights speaker.

World TeamTennis

In 1974, Billie Jean King co-founded World TeamTennis, one of the first professional sports leagues to feature coed teams. While many doubted the concept, King’s vision proved enduring. She led the league for over 40 years, advocating for gender parity and innovation in sports entertainment. In 2017, she sold her majority stake, but her impact remains foundational. World TeamTennis gave rise to a more inclusive model for professional sports, where athletes of all genders compete side by side. The league also offered a platform for social causes and community engagement. Through this model, Billie Jean King continued to champion equity in action, not just in theory. Her continued commitment to inclusive competition strengthens her voice as a tennis legend and top LGBTQ+ rights speaker for audiences across business, education, and civic sectors.

Affiliations

Billie Jean King’s leadership extends beyond the court. She co-founded the Women’s Sports Foundation and currently chairs the Billie Jean King Leadership Initiative. These organizations work tirelessly to promote equality in sports, workplaces, and schools. Furthermore, she serves on the board of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, reflecting her deep commitment to LGBTQ+ health advocacy. King also owns the Philadelphia Freedoms, a World TeamTennis franchise that continues her mission of gender equity in sport. Her institutional influence is far-reaching. Whether she’s consulting with the NCAA or mentoring rising athletes, Billie Jean King ensures that progress never stalls. With every keynote she delivers, she empowers audiences to reimagine leadership through the lens of inclusivity, courage, and action.

Honors and Awards

Billie Jean King has earned countless accolades. Life magazine named her one of the “100 Most Important Americans of the 20th Century.” In 2009, President Barack Obama awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States. In 2006, the USTA National Tennis Center—home of the U.S. Open—was renamed the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, cementing her legacy in the very sport she helped reshape. These honors reflect more than athletic excellence; they honor her impact on global culture, civil rights, and leadership. As a trailblazer who merges sports with advocacy, Billie Jean King’s influence stretches beyond boundaries—and well beyond tennis.

Books

Billie Jean King is also a bestselling author. Her book Pressure Is a Privilege: Lessons I’ve Learned from Life and the Battle of the Sexes offers powerful insights on leadership, resilience, and overcoming fear. Published to honor the 35th anniversary of her historic match against Riggs, the book continues to inspire readers across generations. Her latest work, All In: An Autobiography, is a deeply personal and expansive memoir. It chronicles her journey from a working-class childhood to tennis stardom, and from closeted athlete to unapologetic activist. In it, she explores themes of authenticity, service, and the long arc of social change. These works reinforce her role as a thought leader—and further establish Billie Jean King as both a tennis legend and top LGBTQ+ rights speaker.