Billie Jean King’s $5,000 check from a sportswoman of the year award in 1974 was used to launch the Women’s Sports Foundation, an organization that has since invested over $100 million to help girls and women gain opportunities and equity in sports. The iconic landmark at the Empire State Building was lit in the foundation’s colors of blue, red, pink, and yellow during a celebration with WSF president Scout Bassett and CEO Danette Leighton.
King emphasized the foundation’s commitment to supporting girls and women in achieving their athletic dreams while breaking down barriers that stand in their way. Through research, advocacy, and community programming, the WSF strives to ensure equity in sports opportunities, equipment, facilities, and pay. The organization provides Sports 4 Life programs for underserved girls, travel and training grants, mentorship, and support for Title IX compliance.
The Women’s Sports Foundation was founded a year after the passage of Title IX, the federal law that prohibits sex discrimination in any school or education program receiving federal funds. Vice President Kamala Harris recently hosted an event to honor women in sports in celebration of Women’s History Month, recognizing the importance of girls and women in leadership roles in sports.
The WSF also works to grow the coaching pipeline through the Tara VanDerveer Fund for the Advancement of Women in Coaching, named after the winningest coach in NCAA history. The organization will hold its annual awards dinner on October 16th celebrating “50 Years of Changing the Game” and honoring a sportswoman of
