LEGENDS BALL HONORS BILLIE JEAN KING AND THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATTLE OF THE SEXES
Hall of Famer Billie Jean King and the 50th anniversary of her Battle of the Sexes victory will be celebrated at Legends Ball presented by BNP Paribas on Saturday, September 9 at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.
“The Battle of the Sexes gave women’s tennis, and women athletes, an unprecedented global platform,” said King. “I am proud of the match’s lasting impact in establishing respect and providing opportunities for women in sports and beyond. Legends Ball is a wonderful opportunity to commemorate the Battle of the Sexes’ legacy, and I’m looking forward to celebrating with the Hall of Fame.”
In 1973, King accepted a challenge from Hall of Famer and former men’s world No. 1 Bobby Riggs to compete in a televised match. Riggs, a self-described “male chauvinist”, claimed that even he, at age 55, could defeat any player at the top of the women’s game. The match was held September 20, 1973 in front of a crowd of over 30,000 at the Houston Astrodome, with King defeating Riggs 6-4, 6-3, 6-3.
By accepting Riggs’ challenge, King propelled the fight for equality in women’s sports to a global audience while putting a spotlight on the newly formed WTA. With Hall of Famer Rosie Casals on the television broadcast call alongside legendary commentator Howard Cosell, the Battle of the Sexes was viewed by an estimated 90 million worldwide. To this day, it is the most watched tennis match of all time.
King and Hall of Famer Tracy Austin will relive the Battle of the Sexes and its legacy during an intimate chat on stage at Legends Ball. Fellow contributors to the Battle of the Sexes, including Casals, will also be recognized during the event. Artifacts from ITHF’s museum collection, including King’s shoes, Riggs’ Sugar Daddy jacket, and more items from the match, will be on display for attendees to view.
Legends Ball is an annual celebration of tennis excellence, bringing together the sport’s legends and dedicated supporters in a special evening to benefit the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
Proceeds raised during Legends Ball will benefit the ITHF’s mission to preserve tennis history in the museum collection, celebrate its greatest champions through on-site and digital storytelling, and inspire the next generation through community outreach and education programs.
The Legends Ball is presented by BNP Paribas and is also sponsored by NetJets, Fidelity, FILA, and Infosys. The event is co-chaired by John and Jody Arnhold, Dominic and Nancy Casserley, James Coleman, Molly and Bill Ford, Russ and Judy Fradin, Ajay and Debbie Nagpal, Alex and Christine Seaver, and Gary and Barbara Tolman.