Early Life and Education of Billie Jean King: A Complete Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 16, 2026

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Billie Jean King. From birth to education, explore key events.

Billie Jean King is a legendary American tennis player and a transformative figure in the fight for gender equality. Throughout her illustrious career, she secured 39 Grand Slam titles and dominated the tennis world in the 1960s and 70s. She is perhaps best known for her decisive victory in the 1973 'Battle of the Sexes' exhibition match against Bobby Riggs, which became a global cultural phenomenon. Beyond her athletic achievements, King was a tireless pioneer for social justice. She founded the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) and the Women's Sports Foundation, playing an instrumental role in advocating for equal prize money and opportunities for female athletes. As a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ rights, her courage in coming out further cemented her legacy as an influential icon who leveraged her platform to challenge systemic inequality and advocate for human rights far beyond the court.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

November 22, 1943: Birth of Billie Jean King

On November 22, 1943, Billie Jean King, originally born Billie Jean Moffitt, was born. She would go on to become a legendary American tennis player who attained the world No. 1 ranking.

Others born on this day/year

1959: Grand Slam Debut and Early Professional Coaching

In 1959, Billie Jean King began her competitive tennis career by working with coaches Frank Brennan and Alice Marble. During this year, she made her Grand Slam debut at the U.S. Championships at age 15, where she was eliminated in the first round, and received recognition from Sports Illustrated as a promising young athlete.

1961: Wimbledon Doubles Triumph and Education Struggles

In 1961, Billie Jean King gained international fame by winning the Wimbledon women's doubles title with Karen Hantze, becoming the youngest team to do so. That same year, she faced a defeat in the Wimbledon singles tournament against Yola Ramírez and encountered difficulties securing a sports scholarship while attending Los Angeles State.

1961: Graduation from Long Beach Polytechnic High School

In 1961, Billie Jean King graduated from Long Beach Polytechnic High School and subsequently began her studies at Los Angeles State College.

1963: Meeting Larry King

In 1963, while attending Los Angeles State College, Billie Jean King met her future husband, Larry King, at a library.

1964: Departure from College for Tennis Career

Billie Jean King chose to leave Los Angeles State College in 1964 to dedicate her time and focus fully on her professional tennis career.

1964: Commitment to Professional Tennis

During 1964, Billie Jean King transitioned to a full-time tennis career after receiving financial sponsorship from Robert Mitchell to train in Australia with coach Mervyn Rose. Throughout this year, she competed in several international tournaments, including the U.S. Championships and various Australian championships, while balancing her history studies at Los Angeles State College.

September 17, 1965: Marriage to Larry King

Billie Jean King married Larry King on September 17, 1965, in a ceremony held in Long Beach.

1965: Billie Jean King's 1965 Competitive Tennis Season

Throughout 1965, Billie Jean King competed in several major tournaments, including the Fed Cup, the Australian Championships, Wimbledon, and the U.S. Championships. Despite suffering several losses to rivals like Margaret Court and Maria Bueno, King concluded the year with six tournament victories and achieved the milestone of being named co-U.S. No. 1 by the United States Lawn Tennis Association, a ranking decision that set a historical precedent.

1973: Battle of the Sexes

In 1973, at the age of 29, Billie Jean King competed in and won the highly publicized Battle of the Sexes tennis match against 55-year-old Bobby Riggs.