Tennis · International
Billie Jean King recognised on innovator list
The WTA founder’s role in women’s professional sport featured in Forbes’ anniversary programme.
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Billie Jean King appeared at number 208 on Forbes’ Innovator 250 list, recognising her influence on women’s professional sport. The list formed part of the publication’s programme marking the United States’ 250th anniversary and included people credited with changing industries and creating new opportunities.
The WTA highlighted King’s role in establishing the organisation in 1973 after the earlier Virginia Slims Tour initiative. King was among the original nine players who signed symbolic contracts in 1970 to begin that independent women’s circuit.
More than sixty players joined the London meeting that formalised the WTA, electing King its first president. The recognition connected that institutional achievement with the international professional opportunities that subsequently developed for women tennis players.
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