NEW YORK — Billie Jean King inaugurated the Women’s Sports Foundation with a modest $5,000 contribution. Over the course of five decades, she has transformed that initial investment into a remarkable $100 million, empowering girls and women to achieve their aspirations through various initiatives, including travel and training grants, local sports programs, and mentoring for athletes and coaches.

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the foundation, King is set to honor the 1999 U.S. women’s World Cup champions, PWHL and Los Angeles Dodgers co-owner Mark Walter, as well as the rookie class of the WNBA on Wednesday evening in New York.

“What brings me joy is creating chances and fulfilling dreams for others,” King shared in a recent conversation. “Looking back, it’s what continues to inspire me.” Nearly 100 female athletes are expected to attend the awards ceremony to acknowledge this significant milestone and King’s relentless advocacy for equal pay and increased investment in women’s sports.

Soccer icon Julie Foudy, who is hosting the event and receiving an award for her contributions to soccer, is also attending. She was part of the 1999 U.S. soccer team that famously won the World Cup in front of a record 90,000 spectators at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. “She has consistently been a friend and mentor, serving as a catalyst for the evolution of women’s soccer and numerous other sports,” said Foudy, former president of the Women’s Sports Foundation and current broadcaster for soccer on Turner and TNT.

Following their World Cup triumph, Foudy and her teammates sought guidance from King, Donna Lopiano, and Donna de Verona on improving compensation and establishing a professional soccer league. “I will always remember how (King) asked, ‘What are you guys doing about it?’ That was the transformative insight we needed as players at that critical moment,” Foudy recalled.

The efforts of Foudy and the ’99ers played a pivotal role in the ongoing fight for equity in sports, leading to the U.S. women’s national team securing comparable pay and working conditions to the men’s team. This movement culminated in a landmark $24 million settlement in 2022, following a lawsuit against the soccer federation.

“Billie doesn’t just have a single meeting. She consistently checked in, asking, ‘What do you need?’” Foudy remarked, recalling King’s presence at the inaugural Women’s United Soccer Association (WUSA) game in Washington D.C. in 2001. Her dedication underscored the significance of establishing a league and player pool to ensure the sustainability and growth of women’s soccer.

Currently, the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) features 14 teams since its inception in 2013, with Foudy being part of the ownership group for Angel City FC. In July, new owners Bob Iger and Willow Bay bought a controlling interest in the team for a valuation of $250 million.

Recently, King collaborated with Mark and Kimba Walter to establish the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), which will begin its second season in late November. U.S. Olympic gold medalist Kendall Coyne Schofield approached King for assistance in consolidating the fragmented professional hockey framework into a singular, functional league. King, who is also involved in the Dodgers’ ownership group, worked with Walter to develop this new six-team league.

The WNBA rookie class, led by top pick Caitlin Clark, will receive the Next Gen Award for their remarkable performances and contributions to the league’s growth. Clark’s popularity, along with Chicago’s Angel Reese, has helped drive record WNBA attendance, increased numbers of nationally televised games, and exceptional TV ratings this summer.

“Caitlin Clark is outstanding,” King expressed. “Her impact reminds me of Chris Evert in 1971 when she transformed everything at the U.S. Open. Anytime a player excels, it benefits everyone involved.” The distinguished rookie class features Cameron Brink (Stanford), Kamilla Cardoso (NCAA champion South Carolina), Rickea Jackson (Tennessee), Jacy Sheldon (Ohio State), Aaliyah Edwards (UConn), Reese (LSU), and Alissa Pili (Utah).

Despite the progress in women’s sports, the WNBA still faces pay equity challenges. Clark earned merely $76,000 during her rookie season, in stark contrast to the NBA’s top pick who receives $12 million. However, WNBA players might anticipate salary increases in 2026 due to a new 11-year media rights agreement projected to generate around $200 million annually ahead of the upcoming collective bargaining negotiations. The players’ union is advocating to enhance the WNBA revenue share from 9.3% to align more closely with the NBA players, who share nearly 50% of the revenue from broadcasting deals, ticket sales, merchandise, and licensing.

King acknowledges that bridging the pay gap may require additional time, emphasizing that women’s sports are “still in their infancy.” “The NBA is 78 years old; the WNBA is just 28,” she noted. “(Former NBA Commissioner) David Stern significantly impacted basketball; he was a marketing genius. We need to replicate that success for women’s sports.”

In her illustrious career, King was fundamental in promoting early women’s professional tennis, co-founding the WTA just days before Wimbledon in 1973. She has been a longtime advocate for Title IX, achieved victory over Bobby Riggs, and campaigned for equal prize money in tennis while securing 39 Grand Slam titles.

The next significant honor for the 80-year-old King will be the Congressional Gold Medal, recognized as one of the highest civilian awards in the United States for individuals whose achievements have enduring significance in their respective fields.

“Reflecting on the Women’s Sports Foundation, it was uncertain how long it would endure,” she reflected. “Celebrating the 50th anniversary signifies our ongoing commitment to creating more opportunities. We must keep pushing forward.”