From the beginning, our goal has to create more than just fashion—we create statements, symbols of change, and tributes to those who have reshaped the world. One of our most popular pieces, “The Billie,” is named after Billie Jean King, an athlete, activist, and trailblazer who broke barriers in both the sports world and society at large. By wearing “The Billie,” you’re not only honoring a tennis legend but also embracing a legacy of equality, empowerment, and justice.
Who Is Billie Jean King?
Billie Jean King is not only one of the greatest tennis players of all time, with 39 Grand Slam titles to her name, but also a lifelong advocate for gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights. Her groundbreaking 1973 victory in the “Battle of the Sexes” against Bobby Riggs not only cemented her place in sports history but also marked a significant moment in the fight for women’s equality.
Beyond the tennis court, King has dedicated her life to fighting for the rights of women, athletes, and marginalized communities.
Billie Jean King’s Activism
In the 1970s, King led the charge for equal pay in women’s sports. At the time, male tennis players were earning significantly more than their female counterparts, even at major tournaments. King took a stand by threatening to boycott the U.S. Open, which led to the tournament becoming the first to offer equal prize money to both men and women in 1973. This victory set a precedent that rippled through the sports world and continues to influence the fight for equal pay in women’s sports today.
In addition to her contributions to tennis, King used her platform to help the Women’s National Hockey League (WNHL) get started in 1995. Her advocacy for women in sports went beyond tennis, as she used her visibility and influence to push for better opportunities for female athletes in all sports. King’s involvement in the WNHL was a powerful example of her commitment to expanding opportunities for women across various industries.
Billie Jean King's Enduring Impact: Billie Jean King Enterprises
Beyond her individual advocacy, King has built a platform for lasting change through Billie Jean King Enterprises, an organization dedicated to promoting equality and inclusion in the workplace and beyond. Founded in 2014, Billie Jean King Enterprises focuses on creating new opportunities for women and underserved communities, particularly in sports, leadership, and the workplace. King’s business ventures are rooted in the same principles that defined her career: equality, fairness, and respect for all. The organization helps athletes, companies, and individuals elevate their brands while remaining true to the mission of diversity and social responsibility.
Through Billie Jean King Enterprises, King continues to advocate for equal pay, representation, and opportunities for women in sports and other industries. Her work in promoting workplace inclusion and advancing gender equality has left an enduring mark on the business and sports worlds alike. This organization also amplifies her voice in the ongoing fight for pay equity, not just in tennis but in other sports and sectors where women still struggle for parity with their male counterparts.
Why "The Billie" Honors Her Legacy
At Branded Inferior, we created “The Billie” to honor King’s courage, resilience, and dedication to making the world a more just and equal place. King didn’t just play tennis—she redefined what it meant to be an athlete, using her platform to challenge societal norms and fight for women’s and LGBTQ+ rights. "The Billie" represents that spirit of pushing boundaries and standing up for equality, whether on the tennis court or in everyday life.
Wearing “The Billie” isn’t just about fashion; it’s about embodying the principles of inclusion and equality that King has spent her life promoting. By wearing this shirt, you join King’s legacy, standing as a reminder that we all have the power to make a difference.
Conclusion: Wear Your Power
The spirit of Billie Jean King lives on in every stitch of “The Billie.” It’s more than just a piece of clothing—it’s a call to action, a symbol of empowerment, and a tribute to a woman who changed the world. By wearing “The Billie,” you’re standing with a champion of equality, diversity, and inclusion, while also making your own statement about the kind of world you want to live in.
At Branded Inferior, we believe that fashion can be a force for good. By turning everyday purchases into opportunities for activism, we honor the legacy of trailblazers like Billie Jean King and empower our customers to take a stand in their daily lives. Wear "The Billie" and continue the fight for equality, one step—and one shirt—at a time.
