Net Worth Ranker
What Is Billie Jean King’s Net Worth?
Billie Jean King, an iconic figure in the world of tennis and a vocal advocate for gender equality, has amassed a net worth of $20 million. This financial standing is a testament to her successful career as a professional athlete, her various business ventures, and her enduring influence as a sports icon.
Billie Jean King: A Career of Grand Slam Titles and Endorsements
King’s career is adorned with impressive achievements. She secured a staggering 39 Grand Slam titles, comprised of 12 singles titles, 11 mixed doubles titles, and 16 women’s doubles titles. In 1973, she achieved widespread recognition and acclaim by winning the “Battle of the Sexes” match against Bobby Riggs, an event watched by an estimated 90 million people worldwide. While specific earnings from these matches are not publicly available, these wins undoubtedly contributed to her overall income and established her as a highly sought-after athlete for endorsements. The exact figures related to King’s endorsement deals throughout her career are not fully disclosed, but it’s understood that they played a significant role in building her net worth, particularly during her peak years as a tennis player.
King’s influence extended beyond the court. She founded the Women’s Sports Foundation and the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), organizations that have profoundly impacted the landscape of women’s sports. As the founder of the WTA, King championed the cause of equal prize money for female athletes, a battle she fought throughout her career. While specific financial details regarding her involvement with these organizations are not public, her leadership roles likely contributed to her overall income and influence.
Her career accolades also include representing the U.S. in the Federation Cup and Wightman Cup multiple times, contributing to nine Wightman Cup victories and seven Federation Cup wins for the U.S. team. From 1961 to 1979, she accumulated a record 20 Wimbledon titles, 13 United States titles, four French titles, and two Australian titles, amounting to 39 Grand Slam titles. Her consistent performance at these major tournaments bolstered her earnings from prize money and increased her marketability for endorsements.
In 1984, after retiring from competitive tennis, King became the Commissioner of World TeamTennis (WTT), making her the first female commissioner in sports history. She also became one of the league’s owners. While the financial specifics of her role as Commissioner and owner are not publicly accessible, this position undoubtedly added to her income and influence in the sports industry. Before becoming commissioner, in 1973, King’s then-husband, Larry, co-founded WTT, and King recruited female players for the league. Elton John even wrote the song “Philadelphia Freedom” as a theme song for the WTT team Billie Jean played on, the Philadelphia Freedoms.
Furthermore, King co-founded World TeamTennis Smash Hits with Elton John in 1992, an annual charity tennis match benefiting the Elton John AIDS Foundation. While this event is primarily philanthropic, it enhances her public image and keeps her connected to various revenue streams in the sports and entertainment sectors.
Business Ventures and Investments
Beyond her tennis career, Billie Jean King has strategically ventured into business and investments, further contributing to her net worth. In September 2018, King and her wife, Ilana Kloss, became minority owners of the Los Angeles Dodgers. The specific financial details of their ownership stake are not publicly disclosed, but owning a part of a major sports franchise like the Dodgers represents a significant investment and a potential source of revenue through team profits and increased franchise value. King’s brother, Randy Moffitt, was a professional baseball player who pitched 12 seasons for the San Francisco Giants.
King and Kloss are also minority owners of the Los Angeles Sparks, a WNBA team. Similar to their Dodgers investment, the details of their ownership share in the Sparks are not public, but it aligns with King’s commitment to supporting women’s sports and provides another avenue for financial growth through team performance and valuation.
In 2021, Billie Jean King became an advisor to Chicago’s First Women’s Bank. The exact details of her advisory role and any associated compensation are not publicly available, but this position reflects her ongoing commitment to supporting women in business and finance. As an advisor, she likely receives fees and potential equity, contributing to her overall financial portfolio.
Literary Works and Media Appearances
Billie Jean King has also authored and executive produced several literary and media projects, adding to her income and public profile. She published “Pressure Is a Privilege: Lessons I’ve Learned from Life and the Battle of the Sexes” in 2008 and “All In: An Autobiography” in 2021. While specific sales figures and royalties from these books are not available, they provide a steady stream of income and reinforce her brand as an author and thought leader.
She executive produced the documentaries “The Battle of the Sexes” (2013) and “Althea” (2014), further leveraging her life story and influence in the sports world. The financial returns from these documentaries would depend on their distribution deals and viewership, but they contribute to her revenue streams.
King has also made appearances as herself on TV series such as “Arli$$” (1999), “Ugly Betty” (2009), “Fresh Off the Boat” (2016), and “The Bold Type” (2020). Additionally, she was portrayed by Emma Stone in the 2017 film “Battle of the Sexes.” While the specific compensation for these appearances is not disclosed, they add to her overall earnings and maintain her visibility in popular culture.
Awards, Honors, and Enduring Legacy
Billie Jean King’s awards and honors have not only recognized her achievements but also enhanced her brand and value. In 1967, she was named the Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year, and in 1972, she was the first tennis player and female athlete to be named “Sports Illustrated” Sportsman of the Year. These accolades significantly raised her profile and appeal for endorsements.
In 1987, King was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame, solidifying her legacy in the sport. In 1990, she was included in “Life” magazine’s “100 Most Important Americans of the 20th Century.” These honors enhance her prestige and contribute to her long-term earning potential.
In 2009, President Barack Obama awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom, recognizing her contributions to gender equality and social justice. In 2020, the Fed Cup was renamed the Billie Jean King Cup. These honors symbolize her impact beyond sports and reinforce her image as a social icon, enhancing her marketability and overall financial standing.
The USTA National Tennis Center in New York City’s Flushing Meadows–Corona Park was renamed the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in 2006. The Billie Jean King Sports Complex is located at California State University, Los Angeles. While these recognitions do not directly translate into monetary gains, they add to her prestige and influence, which can indirectly lead to further opportunities.
Personal Life and Advocacy
Billie Jean King’s personal life and advocacy have played a role in shaping her public image and financial success. In 1981, she publicly acknowledged her relationship with Marilyn Barnett, resulting in the loss of approximately $2 million in endorsements. This event marked a significant moment in her career and personal life, highlighting the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ athletes at the time. Although this impacted her earnings in the short term, her honesty and subsequent advocacy have resonated with many and strengthened her long-term appeal.
She is known for advocating equal prize money in men’s and women’s tennis. Her efforts led to the 1973 U.S. Open offering equal prize money, setting a precedent for future tournaments. This advocacy not only advanced gender equality but also enhanced her reputation as a champion for social change.
In 1970, the “Original 9,” a group of female tennis players including King, embarked on the Virginia Slims Circuit, the first professional all-women’s tennis tour. By the end of the year, the group had grown to 40 members. This venture not only promoted women’s tennis but also contributed to the financial empowerment of female athletes.
In 2018, King married Ilana Kloss, her doubles partner, in a ceremony performed by former New York City Mayor David Dinkins. This union reflects her personal happiness and stability, which can indirectly impact her professional life and financial decisions.
