The U.S. women’s national soccer team celebrates its equal pay agreements in 2022.getty images
Billie Jean King’s Lasting Impact on Women’s Sports
Billie Jean King’s legacy is profoundly intertwined with her dedication to the progress of women’s sports, as she continuously shares her experiences to uplift future generations.
Trailblazer for Equal Pay
In 1973, King was instrumental in achieving equal prize money for both men and women at the U.S. Open. By threatening to boycott the tournament and securing sponsorship to cover the financial gap, she set a precedent. More than thirty years later, she continued her advocacy, this time working alongside former WTA Chairman and CEO Larry Scott and tennis star Venus Williams. Their efforts culminated in Wimbledon and, subsequently, the French Open committing to equal pay for all players starting in 2007.
A Collaborative Force
“I enlisted her to be part of my kitchen cabinet, developing strategies for our next steps,” Scott reflected about King. “She participated in media conference calls with us, advocating for equal prize money and was a crucial behind-the-scenes advisor.”
Influencing Beyond Tennis
True to her principle of inclusion, King has made significant strides beyond the tennis court. Julie Foudy, a two-time Women’s World Cup champion, credits King as a key motivator for the 1990s U.S. women’s national soccer team when they fought for equity within their federation, leading to the first collective bargaining agreement. This pivotal moment laid the groundwork for future advancements, culminating in contracts in 2022 that achieved equal compensation for the women’s national team compared to their male counterparts.
A Moment of Inspiration
Foudy first met King in the mid-1990s at a private gathering, where King shared her experiences of the Original 9, the group of women who signed $1 contracts to launch their own professional tennis tour in the early ’70s. “I told her what we were going through with our U.S. Soccer Federation, and she asked, ‘What are you doing about it, Foudy?'” Foudy recalled, emphasizing how King urged them to recognize their power and be prepared to make sacrifices for greater gains.
Inspiring Generations
In 1998, the team threatened not to participate in the 1999 World Cup, a risk that ultimately paid off when they emerged victorious. Their actions continued to inspire others in women’s sports; for instance, Angela Ruggiero, a former U.S. hockey player, noted how the 99ers motivated her team to advocate for better conditions and pay in their own sport. “It underscored the reality that this movement is about more than just one game; it’s about a collective fight.”
Building a Strong Future
Fast forward to 2019, King and business partner Ilana Kloss provided critical guidance to Kendall Coyne Schofield and the PWHL players in establishing their burgeoning league, helping secure investments from Mark Walter. “When Mark asked if I could gather the best players, I confidently said yes,” Schofield said. “Billie and Ilana’s involvement led to countless discussions and significant financial backing.”
Connections Through Women’s Sports
The ripple effects of King’s contributions highlight the interconnectedness of women’s sports. “It’s a small world,” Ruggiero observed. “Everyone knows each other. Billie and Ilana demonstrate that advocacy isn’t only about demanding change; it’s about building opportunities.”
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