New Delhi: Billie Jean King, a trailblazer for women in sports, became the first woman to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the new sports entertainment category on Monday, April 7, 2025, at the age of 81.
She was joined by friends, including NBA legend Magic Johnson and Oscar-winning actress Jamie Lee Curtis. While speaking to the crowd, she said, “I may be the first woman to be awarded a star in this category, but I’m certainly not going to be the last.” She expressed gratitude, stating, “Words cannot express how honored and grateful I am to receive this star.”
King received the 2,807th star, which is located near the famed intersection of Hollywood and Vine, across from the historic Pantages Theater. Its electronic marquee read, “A star for a star. Congratulations, Billie Jean King.” King grew up 34 miles south of Hollywood in Long Beach. She played at the Los Angeles and Beverly Hills tennis clubs and left a lasting mark on the sport. The former American World No. 1 was the first to step on her bronze star after it was uncovered, several blocks east of where her longtime friend Elton John’s star is located.
Today, I became the first woman to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the Sports Entertainment category.
Words cannot express how honored and grateful l am to receive this star.
I have so many people to thank, including the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce,… pic.twitter.com/dT1ngqKH7m
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) April 8, 2025
King’s fans gathered on the sidewalk to greet the Hall of Fame tennis player. The ceremony also reunited King with players Rosie Casals and Julie Anthony, bringing back memories from the earliest days of the WTA Tour. Other players who graced the ceremony included five-time major champion Maria Sharapova, athletic trainer Connie Spooner, former WTA CEO Stacey Allaster, and the current US Open tournament director.
Other achievements
Billie Jean King also became the first female athlete awarded a Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian award in the US, in September 2024. King continues to break boundaries in the name of women’s sports and gender equity.
In January 2025, she served as grand marshal of the 136th Rose Parade. She isn’t stopping there, as she wants this recognition to serve as a springboard for future female champions.
The 2025 Billie Jean King Cup is set to begin this week, with six groups of three teams battling it out to advance to the Finals in Shenzhen later this year.
Tennis legend Billie Jean King at 81 becomes first woman to earn a star in the new sports entertainment category on Hollywood Walk of Fame. Tennis Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
