Billie Jean King‘s legendary victory over Bobby Riggs in the 1973 Battle of the Sexes tennis match became a catalyst for gender equality in sports, a legacy that continues to inspire athletes today. Reflecting on the progress made in women’s athletics, particularly basketball, King expressed her admiration for rising stars like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and JuJu Watkins.
“Caitlin Clark, I mean come on. We all saw Caitlin,” King remarked enthusiastically. She also praised South Carolina coach Dawn Staley, noting her groundbreaking contract. “She’s got a new contract making the most money, which I love because that means everybody else has a chance to make more,” King said, emphasizing how such milestones pave the way for broader progress.
King also highlighted Angel Reese, another remarkable athlete making waves in the sport. Having met Reese personally, King praised her skills and potential, emphasizing the importance of representation and success for young women in athletics. “These athletes are not just players; they are role models for future generations,” King noted, reinforcing the significance of female athletes in the spotlight.
“I always ask a person, ‘What do you want? Not what the world wants, not what your parents want. What do you want?‘” she shared. For King, legacy is secondary to the impact one leaves behind through meaningful actions and achievements.
King, Clark, and Reese lead the way in women’s sports
King’s influence extends far beyond her historic match against Riggs. In 1970, she and eight other women signed $1 contracts with Gladys Heldman to protest unequal prize money in tennis-a bold move that led to the founding of the Women’s Tennis Association in 1973.This effort eventually secured equal prize money for men and women at all four Grand Slam tournaments by 2007. “The women today are living our dream, the one that we started,” King reflected while acknowledging the contributions of pioneers across all sports.
King also highlighted the importance of initiatives like the American Basketball League in the 1990s, which, despite its short lifespan, played a crucial role in advancing women’s basketball. “These aren’t failures, these are stepping stones,” she noted, underscoring the value of every effort toward progress.
At 81, King remains committed to empowering others. Through her partnership with Dove’s Body Confident Sport program, she aims to combat body image issues that deter girls from participating in sports. King stressed the importance of focusing on strengths and fostering positive self-talk. “Very strong self-talk is really important like, ‘I can do this, I like this, this is fun and I believe in myself,'” she said, emphasizing how such affirmations can shape a better future for young women.
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