Tennis legend and women’s rights activist Billie Jean King has expressed openness to the WTA partnering with Saudi Arabia in the future. At the WTA’s 50th anniversary celebration in London, King stated that such a partnership could be mutually beneficial.
King believes that by partnering with Saudi investors, the WTA and ATP could increase their revenues, which would not only benefit the players but also help support the tours themselves.
Regarding the possibility of the WTA and ATP going to Saudi Arabia, King said, “I’m sure they will. I think they will. There’s a lot of money, which is very important to keep having money to help the players, but also help run the WTA, run the ATP and all that.”
In addition to potential financial gains, King also sees the partnership as an opportunity to advance women’s rights in the Middle East. She believes that engaging with Saudi Arabia’s leaders would help bring about positive change and greater equality between men and women in the country.
King emphasized the importance of engagement and dialogue in driving change. She referenced her positive experience engaging with Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al-Missned, who had the vision of making Qatar the cultural center of the Middle East. King believes that meeting people and understanding their perspectives is crucial for progress.
Continuing on the topic of bringing the WTA to Saudi Arabia, King expressed the belief that the sight of women competing at the highest level of their sport would be inspiring for young girls and women across the Middle East. She hopes that such inspiration would help open the eyes of others in the region.
