Billie Jean King Becomes First Woman To Receive Star On Hollywood Walk of Fame

Legendary tennis player Billie Jean King, in yet another milestone, has received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

King, one of the greatest female tennis players of all time, scripted history by becoming the first woman to receive the recognition in the new sports entertainment category.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame was previously awarded to stars of cinema, television, radio, theatre and music.

“The important thing is, I don’t want to be the last one,” the 81-year-old said.

“My family loved music and movies. My mother would have loved this.”

The legend’s star is the 2,807th to be installed on the Walk of Fame. The tradition began in 1960 along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street in Los Angeles.

Its electronic marque read, “A star for a star. Congratulations Billie Jean King.”

Several former tennis players Rosie Casals and Julie Anthony from the earliest days of the WTA Tour attended the ceremony. Also present at the site was retired athletic trainer Connie Spooner. Five-time major champion Maria Sharapova and Stacey Allaster, former WTA CEO and current U.S. Open tournament director were also among the guests.

Billie Jean King Becomes First Woman To Receive Star On Hollywood Walk of Fame — Image: Getty

“Billie Jean King’s contribution is power,” Curtis said. “She’s power on the courts, she’s power in the courts, she’s power in the press, power in her public advocacy, power in her fight for freedom, power to be who she is now.”

King grew up in Long Beach, 34 miles south of Hollywood. She played at the Los Angeles and Beverly Hills tennis clubs, where she’d spot stars like Lucille Ball and Doris Day.

Also Read: Billie Jean King Cup 2025 Qualifiers: Top Stars In Contention