Written by Alberto Amalfi | @Itenisi_Manje | Thursday, September 5, 2024
Photo credit: Ellen Griesedieck
NEW YORK-Billie Jean King evolution from tennis player to civil rights icon comes to ESPN.
ESPN Films has officially greenlit the upcoming 30 for 30 documentary on King’s incredible story, 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 female sports stars is unparalleled, yet few people know the real Billie Jean King: passionate, fierce, angry, optimistic, stubborn, and determined as ever.
In a press release announcing the project, the producers said: “This is an unfiltered, untold story of how he broke the rules and proved his critics wrong, told in his own voice and focused on one year that puts everything in focus: 1973.”
The former world No. 1 said fighting for equality has always been his main mission.
“When I was 12 years old I dedicated my life to achieving equality for all people,” said Billie Jean King. “That promise to me has taken me on a lifelong journey filled with joy, sorrow, sadness and courage.
“I have worked all my life to make women’s sports at the highest level. Today, girls and women athletes are living my dream. We hope to tell a story that will inspire future generations and positively impact the lives of others.”
Directed by Oscar-nominated and Emmy-winning filmmakers 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 his transformative impact on sports and society.
“Billie Jean King’s legacy is unlike any other,” said Liz Garbus. “She is the running talent of a generation, a pioneer in women’s sports, and a leader in the fight for equal pay and discrimination in sports and in society. Her courage and chutzpah are unmatched as she has risked everything so that everyone has a chance to succeed and Elizabeth and I are thrilled to introduce Billie Jean to a new generation.” we will see that we stand on his shoulders and be inspired to keep him. We are fighting for equality.”
“In 1973, Billie Jean King’s story was not only at the height of her illustrious career, but also America and abortion rights, LGBTIQA+ inclusion, the unfulfilled promise of the Equal Rights Amendment, and the Vietnam War pit,” said Elizabeth Wolff. “Billie Jean’s story is an American story and Liz and I are so excited to share how it’s sweeping and working like never before.”
More details about the project, including its premiere date, will be announced, ESPN Films said in a statement.
