Billie Jean Highlights Improvements Made in Women's Sports at WSF Golden Anniversary

Billie Jean King, a feminist icon on the court, having won 12 Grand Slam titles, says much has been transformed for the better in the women's sports arena, especially during the Golden Anniversary of the Women's Sports Foundation, which she founded in 1974. The foundation, initially started with a $5,000 investment, WSF grew to a leading organization that mobilized more than $100 million to women and girls in sport through programs, research, and advocacy.

While great things have already been achieved, the point King would make is that much remains to be done. "When you read history, it goes fast. But living it is slow and hard," said King, 80, in an interview with Reuters. She highlighted the importance of patience, persistence, and passion in driving change, underscoring that enduring commitment is essential to achieving meaningful progress.

The campaign King initiated for equal pay for women tennis players was probably one of her greatest achievements, whereby the U.S. Open in 1973 became the first Grand Slam tournament in history to grant equal prize money for both men and women. This effort to fight for gender equality has also earned her individual recognition last month when she emerged as the first individual female athlete to receive the Congressional Gold Medal.

All the work the foundation has done," King said, "women's sports have changed radically over the last three decades." Still, she expressed a continued concern for ongoing disparities and pointed to the low number of women who are coaching in top-level sport. "Women and girls are still so far behind," King noted, stressing the need for continued advocacy. "Nothing would be more wonderful than not needing the foundation, but we desperately do."

On the WSF's 50th anniversary, there will also be a gala event in New York where the soccer team that won the 1999 U.S. Women's World Cup will be honored for what it contributed to women's sports. Now, the famous squad-that included Julie Foudy-transmogrified women's soccer and established foundation for future legal combat of the United States national team for equal pay.

Foudy said, "Today's female athlete is more activist than ever. Well, not to threaten her sports achievements, but well, if there are rights and freedom, she will do it along with her athletic achievements." The end of the day, social justice was what mattered, she added.

The WSF continues to find its voice on equality as an unfinished route to full equity in the sports arena.