Where Is Billie Jean King? The Tennis Legend Is The Biggest Supporter of Women In Various Sports

January 18, 2026

This article was last updated by Sriyukta Pradhananga on January 19, 2026

Tennis legend Billie Jean King continues to inspire athletes worldwide.

Recently, her iconic words resonated at the Australian Open when Chinese tennis star Qinwen Zheng quoted her following a dominant first-round victory.

After defeating Romania’s Anca Todoni 7-6, 6-1, Zheng shared King’s famous line: “Pressure is a privilege—it only comes to those who earn it.”

The moment reminded fans of King’s enduring influence on sports and her role as a trailblazer for women.

With 39 Grand Slam titles to her name—12 in singles, 16 in women’s doubles, and 11 in mixed doubles.

But her contributions extend far beyond the court.

In 1973, she founded the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), laying the groundwork for gender equality in professional tennis.

Her advocacy for equal pay reached its peak during the historic “Battle of the Sexes” match against Bobby Riggs, a victory that symbolized the strength and capabilities of women in sports.

Though she retired in 1990, King remains a constant presence in the tennis world.

In 2026, the Fed Cup was renamed the Billie Jean King Cup in her honor.

The included a fresh logo and a focus on themes like unity, brightness, and empowerment. King was instrumental in shaping the event’s new identity, reinforcing her legacy as a champion for progress and inclusion.

Outside tennis, King has continued to break barriers.

In 2026, she partnered with hockey player Coyne Schofield to launch the Professional Women’s Hockey League.

Using her with Los Angeles Dodgers owner Mark Walter, King secured significant funding to establish the league, filling a gap that the NHL had long overlooked.

She also produced See Her Be Her, a documentary that highlights women’s baseball globally.

King, who once dreamed of becoming a baseball player, said her goal was to raise the visibility of girls and women in the sport.

King’s influence isn’t limited to sports. She’s a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and equality.

In 1981, she was outed as a lesbian, a decision that could have jeopardized her career. Despite warnings from her lawyer to deny the truth, King stood firm, stating,

Reflecting on the experience in a 2017 NBC interview, King said she wished she had come out sooner.

Today, she lives proudly alongside her wife, Ilana Kloss, a former No. 1 doubles player.

The couple in a private ceremony in 2018. They now share their lives and business ventures, including minority ownership in the Los Angeles Dodgers, Angel City Football Club, and the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks.

Born and raised in Long Beach, California, King now resides in Los Angeles.

In October 2026, she celebrated the Dodgers’ World Series victory by holding the Commissioner’s Trophy and expressing gratitude to the organization’s employees.

Her commitment to empowering women, advancing equality, and celebrating achievements across all sports remains as strong as ever.

Where is Billie Jean King? She’s everywhere—inspiring, leading, and proving that pressure is, indeed, a privilege.

In Case You Didn’t Know

• In an interview, King revealed that after the legalization of same-sex marriage in 2015, the music legend Elton John nudged King and Ilana to tie the knot.
• In 2026, King revealed that Nadal is her favorite tennis player among The Big Three of him, Federer and Djokovic.

• Check other Articles on

Sriyukta Pradhananga is a versatile writer with a keen interest in exploring the multifaceted dimensions of sports. Her articles offer readers a dynamic blend of insightful analysis, engaging storytelling, and thought-provoking commentary that sheds light on the diverse experiences within the athletic realm.

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Sports Technology Global Sports

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• Sriyukta keeps abreast of the latest advancements in sports technology.
• She examines issues related to sports ethics, fair play, and integrity.

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With a background in journalism and a passion for sports, Sriyukta approaches each article with a blend of curiosity, rigor, and creativity. She strives to illuminate the complexities and nuances of the sports world, sparking meaningful conversations and inspiring readers to engage more deeply with the athletic endeavors that unite us all.

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