Billie Jean King, a pioneering figure in women’s sports, launched the Women’s Sports Foundation (WSF) with a modest $5,000 cheque. Fast forward 50 years, and that investment has blossomed into a $100 million foundation dedicated to empowering girls and women through travel and training grants, local sports programs, and mentorship for athletes and coaches.
King’s legacy will be celebrated at a special event in New York, where she honours the 1999 U.S. Women’s World Cup champions, Mark Walter (co-owner of the Professional Women’s Hockey League and the Los Angeles Dodgers), and the WNBA’s rookie class. Nearly 100 female athletes are set to attend this milestone awards dinner, reflecting King’s tireless advocacy for equal pay and increased investment in women’s sports.
Among those celebrating with King is Julie Foudy, a standout player from the 1999 U.S. soccer team, who highlights King’s ongoing influence in women’s sports. Foudy recalls how King and other mentors guided them in their pursuit of equity after their World Cup victory. Their collective efforts laid the groundwork for the U.S. women’s national team to achieve equal pay, culminating in a landmark $24 million settlement in 2022.
Advancing Women’s Sports
Billie Jean King continually pushes for growth and equity in women’s sports and recently collaborated with Mark and Kimba Walter to establish the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), addressing the fragmented pro hockey landscape. As part of the Dodgers’ ownership group, King’s influence extends into multiple sports.
The WNBA rookie class, including standout Caitlin Clark, will receive the Next Gen Award for their impressive performances and for raising the visibility of women’s basketball. Players like Clark and Angel Reese have significantly contributed to increased attendance and TV ratings this season.
Yet, disparities in pay remain evident—Clark earned $76,000 in her rookie season, a stark contrast to the NBA’s No. 1 pick, who receives $12 million.
The Road Ahead
As King reflects on her journey, she emphasizes that the fight for pay equity in women’s sports is ongoing. “The NBA is 78 years old, the WNBA is 28 years old,” she pointed out, highlighting the need for continued marketing and investment in women’s leagues.
Looking ahead, King will soon receive the Congressional Gold Medal, one of the highest civilian honours in the U.S., acknowledging her lasting impact. As she celebrates the 50th anniversary of the WSF, King views it not as a conclusion but as a continuation of her mission to create more opportunities for women in sports.
King’s work has transformed the landscape of women’s sports, inspiring generations of athletes. As the WSF moves into its next chapter, her vision and advocacy remain as crucial as ever in the pursuit of equity and opportunity for all female athletes.
