SPORTS
The transformative power of sports changed Billie Jean’s life. The BJKF recognizes sports not only as a means of physical activity and competition but also as a powerful pathway to personal growth, community engagement, and social change.
We are committed to partnering with and supporting organizations and individuals who harness the unique benefits of sports to empower individuals, cultivate leadership skills, and foster inclusive communities.
"I WANTED TO USE SPORTS FOR SOCIAL CHANGE."
– Billie Jean King
Our Partners & Impact
Billie Jean founded the Women’s Sports Foundation in 1974 to advance the lives of women and girls through sports and physical activity. Its mission is to enable all girls and women to reach their potential in sports and life. BJKF supports the Women’s Sports Foundation with grants to help the organization provide financial fuel to aspiring champion athletes, fund groundbreaking research, educate, advocate, and help communities get girls active.
Beginning in 2019, BJKF partnered with ESPN to present the annual Billie Jean King Youth Leadership Award. The Billie Jean King Youth Leadership Award recognizes a selection of high school and college-age individuals who use the power of sports as a catalyst for social good. Award recipients have the opportunity to attend the Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly Award (ESPYS) and receive a scholarship to use toward college or a non-profit of their choice. Click here to learn more about the award’s previous honorees.
Billie Jean learned to play on the public courts of Long Beach and understands the importance of organizations like CityParks, that inspire the next generation of athletes. CityParks Play plays a central role in activating City Parks Foundation’s mission to create vibrant and healthy urban communities through dynamic free sports programs in parks across New York City. BJKF supports CityParks with financial grants to continue their efforts.
It was the Long Beach Century Club that fundraised for Billie Jean to go to Wimbledon. Today it continues to support amateur athletics in the city of Long Beach, CA, particularly for the city’s middle schools, high schools and colleges. The Century Club has supported thousands of athletes in Long Beach. It has sent athletes to all corners of the globe for competitions, many of whom have returned with World or Olympic Championships.