Billie Jean King’s 39 Grand Slam titles and decades of trailblazing advocacy earned her the Presidential Medal of Freedom and Congressional Gold Medal. Yet at 81, the icon insists she still has more to do. She’s now back in college, hoping to finally complete the history degree she put on hold in the 1960s to become world No. 1.
“I love goals,” she tells CNN Sports. “Understanding history helps you shape the future.”
How Far Women’s Sports Have Come — And How Far They Haven’t
King marvels at today’s prize money — a stark contrast to the $18 a day she earned winning Wimbledon — but she remains frustrated by systemic gaps.
“We haven’t even had a woman president in the United States,” she says. “We still have far to go.”
Even at nearly 82, she maintains a relentless schedule, taking remote classes while traveling, hitting tennis balls “all the time,” and even planning to restart piano lessons to stay mentally sharp.
An Athlete, An Owner, A Mentor
A minority owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, King celebrated their recent World Series win while also empathizing deeply with the losing team — a duality she sees as central to her life’s work.
She continues to champion women’s sports through ownership stakes in the LA Sparks, Angel City FC, and her role in launching the Professional Women’s Hockey League.
“I give an elf about women on the field and in the boardroom,” she says, referencing her equality-focused partnership with e.l.f. Beauty.
Belief, Inclusion & The Power of Being Seen
King worries that girls are taught to seek perfection while boys are taught bravery — pressures she believes undermine confidence on both sides. Her message remains simple:
“Be good to each other. Tell people you see them.”
A Life of Purpose, Still Unfolding
Despite everything she’s achieved, King doesn’t view her journey as complete. Gratitude and responsibility guide her.
“I’m one of the luckiest ones in the world,” she says.
At 81, Billie Jean King isn’t slowing down — she’s still evolving, still inspiring, and still shaping the next chapter of equality in sport.
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