At 81, Billie Jean King Is Still Learning, Leading, and Inspiring

With 39 Grand Slam titles to her name, Billie Jean King has long cemented her place among tennis legends. Yet, at 81, she continues to chase knowledge, equality, and purpose.

 A Life Beyond the Court

As founder of the Women’s Tennis Association and a tireless advocate for equal pay, King transformed tennis into a platform for change. Honored with both the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal, her legacy stretches far beyond sports.

Now, she’s returned to where it all began — college. King has resumed her history degree at California State University, Los Angeles, which she left in the 1960s to pursue professional tennis.

“I’ve always loved history,” she told CNN. “Understanding the past helps us shape the future.”

 Lifelong Student

Back then, she had to quit to become the world’s No. 1 player — earning just $18 a day while winning Wimbledon.

“Now they make millions,” she laughs.

This time, she’s determined to finish her degree.

“I love learning. I love reading. It’s amazing to see how women of past centuries endured and still found strength.”

Despite her busy travel schedule, King studies online, trains regularly, and feels “fantastic.”

A Champion in Every Arena

As a minority owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, King celebrated their World Series victory, calling it “the best series I’ve ever seen.” But as a true athlete, she also expressed empathy for the losing team.

“I understand both sides of competition.”

 Empowering Women Everywhere

King’s collaboration with e.l.f. Beauty centers on gender equality.

“I give an elf about women on the field — and in the boardroom. You can’t truly understand inclusion until you’ve been excluded,” she says.

Her company, Billie Jean King Enterprises, also invests in women’s basketball, soccer, and hockey — including the Professional Women’s Hockey League, launched in 2024.

“Women’s sports are thriving. We have billionaires ready to invest — and that’s monumental.”

 Her Philosophy

“Be kind. Be thoughtful. Let people know you see them,” King says softly.

At nearly 82, she remains a beacon of optimism and humility.

“I’m grateful every single day for this life. I know I’m one of the lucky ones.”