Updated: April 25, 2026
Billie Jean King stands as one of the most influential figures in sports history. With 39 Grand Slam titles and a trailblazing fight for gender equality, she changed tennis forever. But her personal life has also drawn attention, particularly questions around her sexuality. So, is Billie Jean King gay? Yes—she is a proud lesbian who has lived openly with her wife, Ilana Kloss, for decades. Her story of self-discovery, public outing, and eventual embrace of her identity offers powerful lessons in authenticity and resilience.
King’s path wasn’t easy. She navigated a conservative era when being openly gay could destroy a career. Yet she refused to hide forever. Her honesty helped pave the way for countless athletes and everyday people to live more freely. Here’s a closer look at her remarkable life.
Table of Contents
Early Life and Rise to Tennis Stardom
Born Billie Jean Moffitt on November 22, 1943, in Long Beach, California, King grew up in a modest Methodist family. Her father was a firefighter, and her mother a homemaker. As a child, she excelled in softball before switching to tennis at age 11—her parents thought it was more “ladylike.”
She saved pocket money to buy her first racket and quickly developed an aggressive, powerful style that set her apart. King turned pro in the 1960s and dominated women’s tennis. She won her first Wimbledon singles title in 1966 and went on to claim 12 Grand Slam singles titles, among many doubles and mixed doubles crowns.
Beyond the court, she fought for equality. In 1973, she famously defeated Bobby Riggs in the “Battle of the Sexes,” a match watched by millions that symbolized women’s empowerment. That same year, she helped found the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA). Her activism extended to equal pay and better conditions for female athletes.
- Key Career Highlights:
- 39 Grand Slam titles overall
- First woman to earn over $100,000 in a single year (1971)
- Inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame
- Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient
Her on-court success made her a global icon, but personal struggles simmered beneath the surface.
Personal Life: Marriage, Discovery, and Challenges
King married Larry King (no relation to the broadcaster) in 1965 while still in college. They met in a library at California State University and seemed like a perfect match at first. Larry supported her career and feminist views. They stayed married for over 20 years, divorcing in 1987.
By 1968, however, King realized she was attracted to women. She kept this private due to her conservative upbringing and fears about the women’s tennis tour. In the early 1970s, she began a relationship with her secretary, Marilyn Barnett. The affair lasted several years but remained hidden.
In 1981, Barnett filed a palimony lawsuit against King, publicly outing her as a lesbian. The scandal exploded in the media. King faced intense pressure. Her lawyers and publicists advised her to deny everything to protect her endorsements and career. She refused.
At a press conference on May 1, 1981, King confirmed the relationship but described it as a “mistake.” She stood beside her husband Larry and chose truth over denial. This made her the first prominent female professional athlete to publicly acknowledge a same-sex relationship. She lost millions in endorsements almost overnight, but she preserved her integrity.
King later reflected that she wished she had come out earlier. She struggled with shame for years, influenced by her homophobic family and societal attitudes. It wasn’t until her 50s, after extensive therapy, that she felt fully comfortable in her identity. In 1998, she publicly identified as a lesbian.
Coming Out Story and Its Impact
Being outed in 1981 was “horrible,” King has said. Yet her decision to tell the truth became a landmark moment. No active major athlete—male or female—had come out publicly before her in this way.
The immediate fallout was painful:
- Loss of sponsorships worth nearly $2 million
- Criticism from some fans and media
- Personal emotional toll
Despite this, King continued competing at a high level for a few more years, reaching Wimbledon semifinals in 1982 and 1983.
Her story inspired many. She transformed from a tennis champion into a broader advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, gender equality, and social justice. King has spoken openly about the importance of living authentically: “Secrets don’t work. If you are living in shame, you have work to do.”
She co-founded the Women’s Sports Foundation and has supported countless causes. Her courage helped normalize conversations about sexuality in sports long before it became more accepted.
Life with Ilana Kloss: A Lasting Partnership
After her divorce from Larry in 1987, King found lasting love with Ilana Kloss, a former professional tennis player and world No. 1 in doubles. The couple has been together for over 45 years. They married in a private ceremony on October 18, 2018, officiated by former New York City Mayor David Dinkins. The news became public later through King’s memoir All In.
Ilana is not just King’s wife but also her business partner. Together, they own minority stakes in teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers, Sparks, and Angel City FC. They remain deeply involved in women’s sports, the Billie Jean King Cup, and advocacy work.
King often calls Ilana her “forever teammate.” In recent years, including Valentine’s Day posts in 2026, she has shared warm messages celebrating their bond. Larry King, now in his 80s, has remained friendly with Billie Jean; she is even godmother to his children from a later marriage. In a 2026 documentary Give Me the Ball!, both reflected on their marriage and the moment Larry learned about her sexuality—just a day before the 1981 news broke.
Here’s a quick overview of key personal milestones:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| First Marriage | Larry King (1965–1987) |
| Outing Event | 1981 palimony lawsuit by Marilyn Barnett |
| Long-term Partner | Ilana Kloss (together since ~1980s) |
| Marriage to Ilana | October 18, 2018 (private ceremony) |
| Current Status (2026) | Happily married; active in advocacy & business |
| Children | None |
This table highlights the evolution of her personal life from early marriage through self-acceptance to a stable, loving partnership today.
Conclusion
Billie Jean King’s life reminds us that greatness extends far beyond trophies. She is gay, and she has turned what was once a source of pain into a platform for empowerment. From her groundbreaking 1981 press conference to her decades-long relationship with Ilana Kloss, King has shown what it means to live truthfully.
Her journey encourages everyone—athletes and non-athletes alike—to embrace authenticity. In a world that still grapples with inclusion, her voice continues to matter. Whether on the court, in boardrooms, or through quiet acts of love, Billie Jean King serves as a champion for equality and courage.
As she approaches her 83rd birthday later this year, her legacy of fighting for what’s right endures. If you’re inspired by stories of resilience and love, King’s is one worth celebrating.