Billie Jean King Named to TIME100 Philanthropy List for Lifelong Advocacy

NEW YORK, New York — Tennis legend Billie Jean King has been honored by TIME magazine for her philanthropic efforts, including founding the Women’s Sports Foundation. She was named to the inaugural TIME100 Philanthropy list, which recognizes key figures making a positive impact in various fields.

King, who has championed equality in sports for over 50 years, expressed pride in her selection through social media. “I’m so proud to be included,” she wrote. The TIME100 Philanthropy list is part of an expansion of the TIME100 franchise that celebrates the world’s most influential individuals.

The list, curated by TIME’s senior editor Ayesha Javed, features a range of honorees grouped into categories such as titans, leaders, and trailblazers. Alongside King, notable sports figures like David Beckham, Steph Curry, and skateboarder Tony Hawk are included.

<p"In the ensuing five decades, she’s remained dedicated to advocacy for equality in sports and to philanthropy that supports the power of sports to transform lives and foster social change," said writer Harry Booth, who spotlighted King’s contributions. It was noted that a $5,000 seed funding helped establish the Women’s Sports Foundation in 1973, highlighting her legacy in building institutions that empower women in sports.

King’s recognition follows a series of honors, including the Congressional Gold Medal awarded by the U.S. Congress last year, making her the first individual athlete to receive this highest civilian honor. She also had a star unveiled in her honor on the Hollywood Walk of Fame earlier this year.

During her career, King pushed for equal prize money for men and women at the US Open and famously won the “Battle of the Sexes” against Bobby Riggs, a pivotal moment in sports history.