Full History Of Billie Jean King In Timeline From 1920

1920: Dorothea Douglass Lambert Chambers's Wimbledon Semifinal

In 1920, Dorothea Douglass Lambert Chambers became the oldest female semifinalist at Wimbledon at that time. This is significant because King became the oldest semifinalist since Chambers in 1982.

1939: Riggs Wins Wimbledon Men's Singles Title

In 1939, Bobby Riggs won the Wimbledon men's singles title, establishing himself as a top player in the sport.

1939: Matching Marble's Historic Feat

In 1967, Billie Jean King etched her name in tennis history by becoming the first woman since Alice Marble in 1939 to win the singles, women's doubles, and mixed doubles titles at both Wimbledon and the U.S. Championships, showcasing her exceptional talent and marking a significant achievement in her career.

1941: Riggs Becomes World No. 1

In 1941, Bobby Riggs was considered the World No. 1 male tennis player, marking a peak in his career.

November 22, 1943: Birth of Billie Jean King

On November 22, 1943, Billie Jean Moffitt, later known as Billie Jean King, was born. This marks the beginning of the journey of one of the most influential figures in tennis history.

1946: Riggs Reclaims World No. 1 Status

In 1946, Bobby Riggs was once again considered the World No. 1 male tennis player, solidifying his dominance in the sport.

1947: Riggs Maintains Top Ranking

In 1947, Bobby Riggs continued to hold the title of World No. 1 male tennis player, showcasing his enduring skill and performance.

January 28, 1948: Birth of Marilyn Barnett

Marilyn Kathryn McRae, later known as Marilyn Barnett, was born on January 28, 1948.

1959: First Grand Slam and Early Recognition

At the young age of 15, Billie Jean King made her Grand Slam debut at the 1959 U.S. Championships and was recognized by Sports Illustrated as a promising young talent.

1959: King's Journey to Grand Slam Glory

Between 1959 and 1965, Billie Jean King's perseverance and determination were tested as she faced challenges in her quest for a Grand Slam singles title. These early experiences shaped her into the champion she would become.

1959: Grand Slam Debut

Billie Jean King made her Grand Slam debut at the 1959 U.S. Championships, beginning her long and successful journey in major tournaments.

1960: First Tournament Win and Rising Rankings

Billie Jean King's career gained momentum in 1960 as she won her first tournament in Philadelphia and significantly improved her national ranking, marking her emergence as a rising star in tennis.

1961: First Wimbledon Doubles Title and Early Success

Billie Jean King gained international recognition in 1961 when she and Karen Hantze became the youngest team to win the Wimbledon Doubles Title. Despite this success, she was unable to secure a sports scholarship.

1961: Graduation from Long Beach Polytechnic High School

Billie Jean King graduated from Long Beach Polytechnic High School in 1961, marking a significant step in her life.

1961: Wimbledon Debut

Billie Jean King made her debut at the Wimbledon Championships in 1961, marking the beginning of her illustrious career at the prestigious tournament.

1962: Upset Victory over Margaret Court

In a historic match at Wimbledon in 1962, Billie Jean King defeated the top-seeded Margaret Court, marking the first time the women's top seed lost her first match in the tournament.

1963: Meeting Larry King

In a serendipitous encounter, Billie Jean Moffitt met Larry King in the library at Los Angeles State College in 1963. This meeting marked the beginning of their relationship.

1963: Wimbledon Singles Final

Billie Jean King's rise continued in 1963 as she reached the Wimbledon singles final for the first time, facing off against Margaret Court once again.

1963: First Federation Cup Victory

Billie Jean King was part of the winning United States team in the Federation Cup for the first time in 1963, the start of a dominant run in the competition.

1964: Commitment to Tennis and Training in Australia

Billie Jean King decided to fully commit to her tennis career in 1964, even leaving college to train in Australia under renowned coach Mervyn Rose.

1964: Engagement to Larry King

Billie Jean King's journey took a significant turn in the fall of 1964 when she became engaged to Larry King.

1964: Leaving Los Angeles State College

In 1964, Billie Jean King made the decision to leave Los Angeles State College to pursue a full-time career in tennis.

September 17, 1965: Marriage of Billie Jean Moffitt and Larry King

Billie Jean Moffitt and Larry King were married on September 17, 1965, in Long Beach, marking the beginning of their shared journey.

1965: King's Breakthrough Year

In 1965, Billie Jean King participated in several tournaments, including the Australian Championships, Wimbledon, and the U.S. Championships. She reached the finals of the U.S. Championships but lost to Margaret Court in a close match. Despite the loss, King's performance throughout the year solidified her position as a top player and earned her the ranking of co-U.S. No. 1.

1965: Returning to the Australian Circuit

In December 1967, Billie Jean King made her return to the Australian summer tour after a two-year hiatus, showcasing her commitment to competing on the international stage and continuing to test her skills against top players.

1965: King's Journey to Grand Slam Glory

Between 1959 and 1965, Billie Jean King's perseverance and determination were tested as she faced challenges in her quest for a Grand Slam singles title. These early experiences shaped her into the champion she would become.

1966: Second Federation Cup Victory

Billie Jean King and the United States team continued their success in the Federation Cup with their second victory in 1966.

1966: A Decade of Dominance: King's Reign as World No. 1

Billie Jean King's exceptional talent and consistency were evident in her impressive run from 1966 to 1975, during which she held the year-end World No. 1 ranking six times, solidifying her place as one of the greatest tennis players.

1966: King and Court's Grand Slam Rivalry Begins

From 1966 to 1975, Billie Jean King and Margaret Court engaged in a fierce rivalry, participating in 35 out of 40 Grand Slam singles tournaments and winning 24 between them. Their competition pushed both athletes to excel in the world of women's tennis.

1966: King's Historic Wimbledon Victory and Breakthrough

In 1966, Billie Jean King achieved a significant milestone by winning her first Grand Slam singles title at Wimbledon, defeating Margaret Court and Maria Bueno. This victory marked the beginning of her dominance in women's tennis.

1967: A Year of Doubles Dominance and Continued Success

Billie Jean King's exceptional skills were on full display in 1967 as she achieved the remarkable feat of winning the singles, women's doubles, and mixed doubles titles at both Wimbledon and the U.S. Championships, a testament to her versatility and dominance on the court.

1967: King Criticizes "Shamateurism" in Tennis

In 1967, Billie Jean King openly criticized the United States Lawn Tennis Association (USLTA) for their practice of "shamateurism," where top players were secretly paid to ensure their participation in tournaments. She denounced this as a form of corruption that maintained elitism within the sport and advocated for a more transparent and professional system.

1967: Third Federation Cup Victory

The United States, led by Billie Jean King, secured their third Federation Cup victory in 1967, establishing their dominance in the competition.

1968: Realization of Attraction to Women

By 1968, Billie Jean King began to recognize and acknowledge her attraction to women, a significant personal realization in her life.

1968: Australian Open Triumph and Knee Injury

Billie Jean King's dominance continued in 1968 as she won the Australian Championships for the first time. However, a knee injury later that year posed a significant challenge, leading to surgery and raising concerns about her long-term career prospects.

1968: King's Financial Situation Before Open Era

Before the beginning of professional tennis in 1968, Billie Jean King held a job as a playground instructor and was a student at California State University, Los Angeles, to supplement her income when not competing in major tennis tournaments, highlighting the financial realities for tennis players before the open era.

May 1969: King's Recovery and Determination

In May 1969, Billie Jean King demonstrated her resilience and determination as she recovered from knee surgery, showcasing her commitment to returning to competitive tennis and overcoming physical setbacks.

1969: 1969 Australian Summer Tour and Grand Slam tournaments

In 1969, Billie Jean King participated in the Australian summer tour for the second consecutive year, but did not win any tournaments. She also competed in several Grand Slam tournaments, including the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open, reaching the finals at Wimbledon but not securing a title. This marked the first year since 1965 that she didn't win a Grand Slam singles title.

September 1970: Advocacy for Equal Pay and the Launch of Women-Only Tournaments

In September 1970, Billie Jean King took a stand against the significant pay disparity between male and female tennis players. Frustrated by the unequal prize money at the Pacific Southwest Open, King and eight other women boycotted the tournament, risking expulsion from the U.S. Lawn Tennis Association. This bold move led to the organization of the women-only Houston Virginia Slims Invitational, marking a pivotal step towards the establishment of a series of women-only tournaments.

1970: Margaret Court Wins Grand Slam

In 1970, Margaret Court won the Grand Slam in singles tennis. This was her first full season before she missed significant portions of 1971 and 1972 due to childbirth.

1971: Navigating Victories and Defeats on the Court

In 1971, Billie Jean King experienced a mix of triumphs and setbacks on the tennis court. She faced tough competition, including matches against Christine Truman Janes and Margaret Court. Despite some losses, King secured notable wins, including the German Open and the Rothmans North of England Championships.

1971: King Plays in New Zealand

In late 1971, Billie Jean King played in New Zealand but chose not to participate in the Australian Open the following year.

1971: Formation of Women's Tennis Group and Fight for Equal Pay

In 1971, Billie Jean King, along with her husband Larry King, Gladys Heldman, and Joe Cullman, formed a group of nine women tennis players advocating for equal pay in the sport. This marked a significant step toward professionalizing women's tennis.

1971: Public Disclosure of Abortion

In 1971, Billie Jean King's abortion became public knowledge through an article published in Ms. magazine, a revelation that was made without her consent and caused personal distress.

1971: Start of Affair with Marilyn Barnett

In 1971, Billie Jean King embarked on a relationship with her secretary, Marilyn Barnett, which would later become a subject of public scrutiny.

1971: Breaking Barriers: A Historic Milestone in Women's Tennis

In 1971, Billie Jean King etched her name in tennis history by becoming the first female player to earn $100,000 in a single year. This remarkable achievement transcended sports, marking a significant milestone in the fight for gender equality and earning her recognition from President Richard Nixon.

1971: Dominating the Grand Slam Circuit

From 1971 to 1975, Billie Jean King achieved a remarkable feat by winning seven out of the ten Grand Slam singles tournaments she entered, showcasing her dominance in women's tennis during this period.

1971: Margaret Court's Absence Due to Childbirth

During 1971, Margaret Court missed significant portions of the tennis season due to childbirth. This absence affected her standing and competition with Billie Jean King.

1971: A Year of Triumph: 17 Tournament Wins and a Historic Milestone

Billie Jean King achieved a remarkable feat in 1971, securing a career-high 17 tournament victories. Her exceptional performance throughout the year solidified her status as a dominant force in women's tennis.

1972: King's Dominance Aided by Court's Absence

In 1972, Billie Jean King's dominance in tennis was aided by the absence of her rival Margaret Court, who was taking a break due to childbirth.

1972: King's Grand Slam Singles Titles in 1972

In 1972, Billie Jean King won three Grand Slam singles titles. She did not play in the Australian Open despite being nearby in New Zealand in late 1971. King believed she could have won the Grand Slam that year but chose to focus on the Virginia Slims winter tournaments. Her dominance was also aided by Margaret Court's absence due to childbirth during most of the season.

1972: King Wins US Open but Faces Pay Disparity

Billie Jean King's victory at the 1972 US Open was overshadowed by the significant pay gap between male and female champions. Despite her win, she received substantially less prize money than the men's champion, Ilie Năstase. This fueled her fight for equal pay.

1972: Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year

Billie Jean King's impact extended beyond tennis in 1972 when she was named Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year alongside John Wooden.

1972: Career Grand Slam

In 1972, Billie Jean King achieved a "career Grand Slam" by winning the French Open singles title, making her the fifth woman in history to win all four Grand Slam singles titles.

1972: French Open Victory and Career Grand Slam

Billie Jean King won the French Open in 1972, securing the final Grand Slam title needed to complete a career Grand Slam in singles.

1972: A Strong Start and a Personal Revelation

Billie Jean King started 1972 on a high note, winning eight of her first thirteen tournaments. During this period, she had five losses, including one to Chris Evert in St. Petersburg, which she initially attributed to leg cramps. However, in early 1972, King revealed that the retirement was due to complications from an abortion.

September 20, 1973: The Battle of the Sexes Match

On September 20, 1973, Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs in the highly-publicized Battle of the Sexes match held at the Houston Astrodome. King won 6–4, 6–3, 6–3 in front of a large audience, which significantly bolstered recognition and respect for women's tennis.

1973: Co-founding of World Team Tennis

Billie Jean King's husband, Larry King, co-founded World TeamTennis in 1973 with Dennis Murphy, Jordan Kaiser, and Fred Barman. The league's emphasis on gender equality reflected Billie Jean King's values and commitment to social change through sports.

1973: King Becomes First President of Women's Tennis Association

Billie Jean King's leadership in advocating for women in tennis led to her becoming the first president of the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) in 1973. This cemented her role as a pioneer in the fight for equality in the sport.

1973: King's Triple Crown and Battle of the Sexes

In 1973, Billie Jean King completed the Triple Crown at Wimbledon, winning the singles, women's doubles, and mixed doubles titles. This made her the first and only player to achieve this feat at Wimbledon in the Open Era. She also participated in the Battle of the Sexes match against Bobby Riggs, winning despite playing multiple matches in the Virginia Slims of Houston tournament.

1973: King Defeats Riggs in Exhibition Match

In 1973, Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs in an exhibition match, winning $100,000. This match was a significant moment in her career and in the fight for gender equality in sports.

1973: King's 1973 Highlights

In 1973, Billie Jean King had a mixed start but eventually found success. She missed the first three Virginia Slims tournaments in January due to a wrist injury but later won the Virginia Slims of Indianapolis, ending Margaret Court's 12-tournament and 59-match winning streaks. She decided not to defend her French Open singles title but won four consecutive tournaments, including her fifth Wimbledon singles title.

1973: The Battle of the Sexes

In 1973, Billie Jean King, at age 29, cemented her place as an icon by defeating 55-year-old Bobby Riggs in the highly publicized "Battle of the Sexes" tennis match.

1973: US Open Implements Equal Prize Money

In a landmark moment for tennis and women's sports, the US Open became the first major tournament to offer equal prize money to men and women in 1973. This was a direct result of Billie Jean King's advocacy and her threat to boycott the tournament if pay equality wasn't established.

1974: King's Successful 1974 Season

In 1974, Billie Jean King won five of the first seven tournaments she entered, including the Virginia Slims of San Francisco and the U.S. Indoor Championships. She also won her fourth US Open singles title. However, she faced some upsets and did not reach a tournament final for the rest of the year.

1974: Founding of womenSports Magazine and Women's Sports Foundation

In 1974, Billie Jean King, alongside her husband Larry King and Jim Jorgensen, founded womenSports magazine and the Women's Sports Foundation, demonstrating her commitment to promoting women's sports and creating more opportunities for female athletes.

1974: Launch of World TeamTennis

World TeamTennis, co-founded by Billie Jean King's husband, Larry King, officially launched in 1974. The league, which continues to operate, reflects King's commitment to gender equality in sports.

1975: King's Temporary Retirement

In 1975, Billie Jean King retired from tournament singles competition immediately after winning her sixth Wimbledon singles title. This retirement was temporary, as she later returned to competitive play.

1975: Time Person of the Year

In 1975, Billie Jean King was recognized as one of the Time Persons of the Year, highlighting her influence on society.

1975: A Decade of Dominance: King's Reign as World No. 1

Billie Jean King's exceptional talent and consistency were evident in her impressive run from 1966 to 1975, during which she held the year-end World No. 1 ranking six times, solidifying her place as one of the greatest tennis players.

1975: Dominating the Grand Slam Circuit

From 1971 to 1975, Billie Jean King achieved a remarkable feat by winning seven out of the ten Grand Slam singles tournaments she entered, showcasing her dominance in women's tennis during this period.

1975: King and Court's Grand Slam Rivalry Begins

From 1966 to 1975, Billie Jean King and Margaret Court engaged in a fierce rivalry, participating in 35 out of 40 Grand Slam singles tournaments and winning 24 between them. Their competition pushed both athletes to excel in the world of women's tennis.

November 1976: Post-Surgery Recovery

Following her third knee surgery in November 1976, Billie Jean King dedicated the first three months of the following year to rehabilitating her right knee.

1976: Consistent Wimbledon Finalist

From her 1961 debut until 1976, Billie Jean King consistently reached the final of at least one of the three Wimbledon championship events, showcasing her dominance and consistency.

1976: Billie Jean King's 1976 Tennis Season

In 1976, Billie Jean King primarily focused on doubles and mixed doubles events, winning the mixed doubles title at the US Open with Phil Dent. She reflected on the year as a wasted one, feeling unmotivated after witnessing Chris Evert and Evonne Goolagong Cawley's Wimbledon final. King underwent her third knee surgery in November, sidelining her for the rest of the year.

1976: Fourth Consecutive Federation Cup Victory

The United States, with Billie Jean King, won their fourth consecutive Federation Cup in 1976, marking the beginning of an unprecedented run of victories.

March 1977: Controversy and a Tournament Win

In March 1977, Billie Jean King's request for a wild card entry to the Virginia Slims Championships was denied. She then chose to play in the Lionel Cup tournament, which sparked controversy due to the inclusion of transgender athlete Renée Richards. King faced criticism from fellow players, including Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova, but ultimately won the tournament.

1977: Wimbledon 1977: A Year of Firsts

At the 1977 Wimbledon Championships, Billie Jean King played her last match against Maria Bueno, emerging victorious. However, she experienced her first-ever loss to Chris Evert at a Grand Slam singles tournament and on grass, marking the first time she didn't reach a Wimbledon final since her 1961 debut.

1977: Defying the Odds: King's Prolonged Career

In 1977, Billie Jean King reflected on her doctor's predictions from 1968 that her left knee injury would limit her playing career. Her ability to compete at a high level for several more years highlighted her determination and resilience.

December 1978: Foot Surgery and Limited Play

Billie Jean King underwent major surgery on her left foot in December 1978, which significantly limited her tournament appearances.

1978: Selective Tournament Participation

During the first half of 1978, Billie Jean King strategically chose to participate in ten singles tournaments but limited herself to doubles events after Wimbledon.

1978: US Open Victory and Federation Cup Triumph

In 1978, Billie Jean King teamed with Martina Navratilova to secure her fourth US Open women's doubles title and her 14th Grand Slam women's doubles title overall. She also played a crucial role in the US team's victory at the Federation Cup in Melbourne, Australia, remaining undefeated in her doubles matches. Despite hinting at retirement from major singles competitions, King underwent foot surgery in December, indicating her desire to continue playing.

1979: Recognition as a Clutch Player

In 1979, several top tennis players acknowledged Billie Jean King's exceptional ability to perform under pressure, highlighting her reputation as a clutch player.

1979: Request for Marilyn Barnett to Leave Malibu House

In 1979, Billie Jean and Larry King asked Marilyn Barnett to move out of their Malibu residence, leading to a series of events that would have a profound impact on King's life.

1979: Previous Wimbledon Quarterfinal

In 1979, Billie Jean King played Tracy Austin in the Wimbledon quarterfinals, a match which she lost. This event is referenced in the context of her 1982 Wimbledon run where she defeated Austin.

1979: Return to Play After Surgery

After a period of recovery from major foot surgery in December 1978, Billie Jean King returned to competitive play in 1979, participating solely in doubles at the Federation Cup tie against Spain.

1979: Seventh and Final Federation Cup Victory

Billie Jean King played her final Federation Cup in 1979, ending her career in the tournament with a remarkable seventh victory and an unbeaten streak.

1980: Wimbledon Without a Final Appearance

Billie Jean King competed at Wimbledon in 1980 but did not reach a final, a rare occurrence in her long and successful history at the tournament.

1980: Return to the French Open

In 1980, Billie Jean King returned to the French Open for the first time since her victory in 1972, where she completed a career singles Grand Slam. Despite being seeded second, she lost in the quarterfinals to Dianne Fromholtz Balestrat.

May 1981: Palimony Lawsuit

In May 1981, Marilyn Barnett filed a palimony lawsuit against Billie Jean and Larry King, marking a pivotal moment in King's personal life.

December 1981: Court Order in Palimony Case

In December 1981, a court order was issued in the palimony lawsuit, requiring Marilyn Barnett to vacate the Malibu house. The order also addressed Barnett's threats to disclose private correspondence, which were deemed close to extortion.

1981: Final Grand Slam Title and Partnership Strain

Billie Jean King, partnering with Martina Navratilova, achieved her 39th and final Grand Slam title at the US Open in 1981. Following this victory, Navratilova decided to pursue a new doubles partner, causing strain in their relationship. Despite King's attempts to discuss the situation, Navratilova avoided direct communication.

November 1982: Dismissal of Palimony Suit

After a protracted legal battle, Marilyn Barnett's palimony lawsuit against Billie Jean and Larry King was dismissed in November 1982.

1982: King's Comeback and Wimbledon Run

In 1982, Billie Jean King, at 38 years old, launched a tennis comeback. She won the Edgbaston Cup in Birmingham and reached the Wimbledon semifinals after notable victories over Tanya Harford, Wendy Turnbull, and Tracy Austin. This marked her first victory over Austin and her return to a Wimbledon semifinal since 1979.

1982: King Becomes World TeamTennis Commissioner

After years of involvement with World TeamTennis (WTT), Billie Jean King took on the role of league commissioner in 1982, further solidifying her influence on the sport.

1982: Final Wimbledon Appearance Without a Final

In 1982, Billie Jean King participated in the Wimbledon Championships but did not make it to a final, marking one of the few times she didn't reach a final in her extensive Wimbledon career.

1982: King's Inconsistent Results and Controversies

In 1982, Billie Jean King experienced a series of inconsistent results. She lost eight of the first ten tournaments she played. Among her notable performances, she won the title in San Francisco in mid-January but faced defeats in Long Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and other tournaments. King admitted in her autobiography that she intentionally lost a match in Long Beach due to an argument with her husband.

March 1983: Destruction of Malibu House

In a strange turn of events, the Malibu house at the center of the palimony dispute was destroyed by a series of severe storms that struck the southern California coast in March 1983.

1983: King's Final Singles Title and Retirement from Singles

At 39 years old, Billie Jean King achieved the record of being the oldest WTA player to win a singles tournament with her victory at the Edgbaston Cup. The same year, she participated in her final Wimbledon and US Open tournaments, reaching the mixed doubles finals at Wimbledon with Steve Denton. King's final singles match was a loss at the Australian Open against Catherine Tanvier, marking the end of her professional singles career.

1983: Final Grand Slam Singles Event

In 1983, Billie Jean King played her 51st and final Grand Slam singles event, marking the end of an era in women's tennis.

1983: King's Final Wimbledon Appearance

In 1983, Billie Jean King reached the Wimbledon semifinals for the last time in her career. She defeated Kathy Jordan, Wendy Turnbull, and Rosemary Casals before losing to Andrea Jaeger. Jaeger later recounted her motivation to defeat King stemmed from King's win over Jaeger's friend, Wendy Turnbull, and a perceived slight by King refusing a towel before the match.

1984: Withdrawal from Wimbledon Mixed Doubles

In 1984, Billie Jean King and Vijay Amritraj were set to compete in the Wimbledon mixed doubles tournament but withdrew before it started. This was during a period when King played doubles sporadically.

1984: King Becomes Major Owner of World TeamTennis

Building upon her dedication to World TeamTennis, Billie Jean King became a major owner of the league in 1984, showcasing her long-term commitment to its success and aligning with her advocacy for gender equality in sports.

1987: International Tennis Hall of Fame Induction

Billie Jean King was honored for her remarkable career with induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1987.

1987: End of Marriage with Larry King

Billie Jean and Larry King's marriage ended in 1987. Despite the separation, they maintained a cordial relationship, with King becoming the godmother of Larry's son from his subsequent marriage.

March 1990: King's Retirement from Competitive Doubles

Billie Jean King officially retired from professional doubles tennis in March 1990. Her last competitive match was with Jennifer Capriati at the Virginia Slims of Florida tournament, where they lost to Brenda Schultz-McCarthy and Andrea Temesvári.

1990: Induction into the National Women's Hall of Fame

Billie Jean King's advocacy for women in sports was celebrated in 1990 with her induction into the National Women's Hall of Fame.

1996: King Leads US Fed Cup and Olympic Teams to Victory

Billie Jean King took on the roles of captain for the United States Fed Cup team and coach for the women's Olympic tennis team. Under her guidance, the US won the Fed Cup, and she helped Lindsay Davenport, Gigi Fernández, and Mary Joe Fernández secure Olympic gold medals.

1999: King Joins Philip Morris Board of Directors

In 1999, Billie Jean King faced criticism from anti-tobacco groups when she accepted a position on the board of directors of Philip Morris Incorporated. This decision sparked controversy due to the company's involvement in the tobacco industry and raised questions about aligning with King's advocacy for health and well-being.

2002: King Dismisses Capriati from Fed Cup Team

Billie Jean King, as the Fed Cup captain, made the controversial decision to dismiss Jennifer Capriati from the team. King cited Capriati's violation of team rules regarding personal coaches as the reason. This decision sparked debate, with some supporting King's enforcement of rules and others finding the punishment overly harsh, particularly given the team's subsequent losses.

2006: USTA National Tennis Center Renamed

The USTA National Tennis Center in New York City was renamed the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in 2006, a testament to her lasting impact on the sport.

2008: King and the Sports Museum of America

Billie Jean King became a member of the Board of Honorary Trustees for the Sports Museum of America upon its opening in 2008. The museum notably houses the Billie Jean King International Women's Sports Center, a hall of fame and exhibit dedicated to celebrating women's contributions to sports.

2008: Publication of "Pressure is a Privilege: Lessons I've Learned from Life and the Battle of the Sexes"

In 2008, Billie Jean King shared her life experiences and insights gained from her fight for gender equality in her book "Pressure is a Privilege: Lessons I've Learned from Life and the Battle of the Sexes."

2010: Fed Cup Award of Excellence

In 2010, Billie Jean King's contributions to tennis were further recognized with the Fed Cup Award of Excellence.

2012: Involvement with Women's Sports Foundation and Elton John AIDS Foundation

In 2012, Billie Jean King dedicated her time to advocating for important causes through her involvement with the Women's Sports Foundation and the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

December 2013: Appointment to the US Delegation for the 2014 Winter Olympics

In December 2013, President Barack Obama appointed Billie Jean King as a member of the US delegation for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, a gesture widely seen as a statement in support of LGBTQ+ rights.

February 7, 2014: Death of Betty Moffitt, Billie Jean King's Mother

On February 7, 2014, the same day as the 2014 Winter Olympics opening ceremony, Billie Jean King's mother, Betty Moffitt, passed away.

June 16, 2017: Northwestern University Commencement Address

Billie Jean King delivered an inspiring commencement address to the graduating class of Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, on June 16, 2017.

2017: King Sells Majority Ownership of World TeamTennis

After decades of involvement with World TeamTennis, Billie Jean King sold her majority ownership stake in the league to Mark Ein and Fred Luddy in 2017. However, her legacy of advocating for gender equality in sports continues to be deeply intertwined with the league's identity.

September 2018: Minority Ownership of Los Angeles Dodgers and Sparks

In September 2018, Billie Jean King and Ilana Kloss became minority owners of two prominent Los Angeles sports teams: the Los Angeles Dodgers (baseball) and the Los Angeles Sparks (WNBA).

October 18, 2018: Marriage to Ilana Kloss

Billie Jean King and Ilana Kloss celebrated their union in a private ceremony officiated by former New York City Mayor David Dinkins on October 18, 2018. They reside in both New York City and Chicago.

2018: Guest of Emma Stone at the 75th Golden Globe Awards

Billie Jean King attended the prestigious 75th Golden Globe Awards in 2018 as a guest of actress Emma Stone.

2018: BBC Sports Personality of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award

Billie Jean King's remarkable career received further recognition in 2018 with the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award.

October 2020: Part of Angel City FC Ownership Group

Expanding their influence in the world of sports, King and Kloss joined the ownership group of Angel City FC, a Los Angeles-based women's soccer team, in October 2020.

2020: Federation Cup Renamed Billie Jean King Cup

In a historic tribute to Billie Jean King's legacy, the Federation Cup, a prestigious international women's tennis tournament, was renamed the Billie Jean King Cup in 2020.

March 2021: Advisor to First Women's Bank

In March 2021, Billie Jean King took on a new role as an advisor to First Women's Bank in Chicago, further solidifying her commitment to empowering women in various aspects of life.

May 2022: Partnership for a New Professional Women's Hockey League

In May 2022, a significant step towards the advancement of women's hockey took place as the Mark Walter Group and BJK Enterprises announced a partnership with the Professional Women's Hockey Players Association (PWHPA), aiming to establish a new professional league.

2022: Angel City FC Begins Play in NWSL

Angel City FC, the Los Angeles-based women's soccer team co-owned by King and Kloss, marked its inaugural season in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) in 2022.

2022: French Legion of Honour

Billie Jean King's impact transcended borders in 2022 when she was awarded the French Legion of Honour, one of France's highest honors.

2022: Inflation-Adjusted Cost of King's First Racket

In 2022, it was calculated that the $8 Billie Jean King saved to buy her first tennis racket would be equivalent to $88.54, illustrating the value of her early dedication to the sport.

2022: Value of King's Prize Money Adjusted for Inflation

In 2022, the prize money Billie Jean King won in her 1973 match against Bobby Riggs was valued at $670,520 when adjusted for inflation.

June 29, 2023: Acquisition of Premier Hockey Federation (PHF)

On June 29, 2023, the Mark Walter Group, in partnership with BJK Enterprises, spearheaded by Billie Jean King, acquired the intellectual property and essential assets of the Premier Hockey Federation (PHF), a professional women's hockey league.

2023: Appearance on "The Masked Singer"

In 2023, Billie Jean King showcased her lighter side by appearing as "Royal Hen" on the tenth season of the popular singing competition show, "The Masked Singer." Her journey on the show concluded with her elimination in the episode themed "A Celebration of Elton John.".

January 1, 2024: Launch of New Professional Women's Hockey League

A new era in North American professional women's hockey began on January 1, 2024, with the launch of a unified league resulting from the collaboration of stakeholders from the PHF and the PWHPA. The inaugural game featured a matchup between New York and Toronto in Toronto.

History of Billie Jean King in Timeline