By Alberto Amalfi | @Tennis_Now | Thursday, September 5, 2024
Photo: Ellen Griesedieck
NEW YORK –Billie Jean King’s the evolution from tennis player to human rights icon is coming to ESPN.
ESPN Films has officially greenlit an upcoming 30 for 30 documentary on King’s remarkable story, which is now in production with Ridley Scott Associates and Story Syndicate, in association with Elton John’s Rocket Sports.
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The legacy of one of America’s first women’s sports stars is unmatched, yet few people know the real Billie Jean King: charismatic, mischievous, indignant, hopeful, stubborn and determined as ever.
In a press release announcing the project, the producers said: “This is the unfiltered, untold story of how she broke the rules and proved her critics wrong, told in her own voice and centered around a year that brings her all in focus: 1973.”
The former world number 1, King said that defending equality has always been her main mission.
“At the age of 12, I dedicated my life to achieving equality for all,” said Billie Jean King. “This promise to myself has led me on a life journey full of joy, heartbreak, bravery and courage.
“I’ve worked all my life for women’s sports to take center stage. Today, girls and sportswomen are living my dream. We hope to tell a story that will inspire future generations and have a positive impact on lives of others.”
Directed by Oscar-nominated and Emmy Award-winning directors Liz Garbus (What Happened, Miss Simone?, Bobby Fischer Against the World) and Elizabeth Wolff (I’ll Be Gone in the Dark) and producers Dominic Crossley-Holland, Dan Cogan and Jay de Andrade, the documentary promises to shed new light on King’s life and her transformative impact on sports and society.
“Billie Jean King’s legacy is like no other,” said Liz Garbus. “She is a generational athletic talent, a pioneer in women’s sports and a leader in the fight for equal pay and against discrimination in sport and society. Her bravery and chutzpah are unmatched as she risked everything that everyone have a chance to succeed, Elizabeth and I are so excited to introduce Billie Jean to a whole new generation of young people who will see that they are standing on her shoulders and be inspired to keep her going fight for equality”.
“In 1973, Billie Jean King’s story was not only at a turning point for her legendary career, but also for America with abortion rights, LGBTIQA+ inclusion, the unfulfilled promise of the Equal Rights Amendment, and the war in Vietnam . cliff,” said Elizabeth Wolff. “Billie Jean’s story is America’s story, and Liz and I are excited to show how it’s as inclusive and relevant as ever.”
Further details on the project, including its premiere date, will be announced, ESPN Films said in a statement.
