Billie Jean King Celebrates 50 Years of Women’s Sports Foundation in 2024
- Billie Jean King founded the Women’s Sports Foundation with a $5,000 check and has since raised $100 million to support women in sports.
- The 50th anniversary celebration included honoring the 1999 U.S. women’s World Cup champions and the 2024 WNBA rookie class, with nearly 100 female athletes in attendance.
- The event underscored the ongoing fight for pay equity in women’s sports, particularly in the WNBA, and highlighted King’s role as a mentor and advocate.
In New York, Billie Jean King celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Women’s Sports Foundation, which she founded with a $5,000 investment. The event honored notable figures, including the 1999 U.S. women’s World Cup champions and the 2024 WNBA rookie class. King emphasized her commitment to creating opportunities for women in sports, reflecting on her role as a mentor and advocate for equal pay. The ongoing struggle for pay equity in women’s sports was highlighted, particularly in the WNBA, where players are pushing for better compensation and revenue sharing. The event also showcased the importance of collaboration in advancing women’s sports, as seen in King’s efforts to unify professional hockey and her involvement in the ownership of the Los Angeles Dodgers. The celebration served as a reminder of the progress made and the work still needed to achieve equality in sports.