“That’s Where the Money Is” – Billie Jean King Beams With Pride as Women’s Sport Change the Lifelong Perspective of Being a ‘Charity’

Women’s sport is finally turning the corner; Billie Jean King is one to endorse such developments. The American sensation shares a long history of contributing immensely to its development and achieving gender equity. Over the years, the veteran has been an avid advocate for various movements and causes—such as eradicating pay disparity and achieving equal pay for women in tennis. Moreover, she has always dropped a word or two on controversial topics in the sport.
The latest WTA-Saudi collab, frowned upon by many due to the nation’s record on women’s rights leading to ‘sports wash’ accusations, wasn’t blatantly dismissed by the 80-year-old but, instead, examined on its merits.
“I think they’ll be there. The thing I’m concerned about is the women, I want change if we go. But I’m big on engagement and inclusion so it’s a tough one. I know people are going to go there,” spoke King about the inclusion of WTA in the Gulf. Naturally, staying on course, King explained how women’s sports have gained significant traction; notably three-fold of what they achieved years ago.
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Having stressed her desire to raise the profile of the BJK Cup days ago, King stepped afoot the tournament’s studio to discuss somewhat, niche topics that never lost relevance in women’s sports. The 12-time Major winner highlighted that women are rightfully being endowed with what they deserved years ago simply because of a change in people’s perception. “We used to get four percent of media content. Then we went up to five, now we’re at 15. That’s where the money is but people are now investing in women’s sport, not looking at it as a charity. Big difference.”
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With sights set on spectating thrilling performances at the BJK Cup in Malaga, women’s tennis is only reaching its summit for the season. But there have been quite a few abrupt withdrawals from the event.
List of players who have withdrawn from the Billie Jean King Cup
The timing of the Billie Jean King Cup in 2022 forced some of the players to opt out of the annual championship. The event notably collided with the WTA Finals, putting contestants in a fix. This year, however, players have opted out due to issues unrelated to scheduling.
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Taking everyone by surprise, World No. 6 Jessica Pegula reportedly pulled out of the event and was announced to be replaced in the American team by Ashlyn Krueger. While the United States Tennis Association aired the update, they refrained from citing reasons for the sudden withdrawal. Later, Japanese superstar Naomi Osaka also confirmed skipping the BJK Cup. In her statement, the young talent outlined injuries as the pivotal reason for not being able to represent her nation at the event.
Overall, things have been set in motion. While some players will be missed by fans, others will likely look to engage the crowd with their thrilling showdowns as they go neck-to-neck to thwart Canada’s title defense. The event will take place in Malaga from 13 to 20 November 2024.