“I’m a huge believer in engagement, I don’t think you change unless you engage,” Billie Jean King said Friday about the potential for the WTA to hold tour events in Saudi Arabia. “I would probably go there and talk to them.” nyti.ms/3px6FYs by @mattfutterman
Billie Jean King supports talks with Saudi Arabia about potential tennis stake with WTA also evaluating partnerships
WTASaturday, 01 July 2023 at 00:15
Billie Jean King said she supports the talks between Saudi Arabia and the WTA to hold competitions despite the country's human rights issues.
The tennis legend has been a prominent advocate for women's rights in sports and equal pay between men's and women's tours. After learning about the negotiations between the WTA and Saudi Arabia to bring tournaments to the country, Billie Jean King shared her opinion during the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the founding of the WTA.
“I’m a huge believer in engagement — I don’t think you change unless you engage,”
“I would probably go there and talk to them,” King said.
The CEO of WTA, Steve Simon responded to the comments made by 18-time Grand Slam champion Billie Jean King and stated that potentially holding events in Saudi Arabia can support progress for women.
“Sometimes when you are in the position we are in, you need to support the change,” Simon said.
“I’m not Saying Saudi Arabia is a place we should be doing business with. They have a long way to go, but they are making changes,” he added.
Simon's words refer to the commitment of both tours to gender pay equality and the revenue lost due to the suspension of WTA tournaments in China amid the Peng Shuai case. China is known for offering significant prize money to the organization and the players.
On the players' side, Sloane Stephens, a member of the WTA Tour Player's Council, emphasized the importance of ensuring that LGBTQ athletes can feel safe when competing in Saudi Arabia in future tournaments. The concern for player safety and support is a significant consideration in evaluating potential partnerships with the country.:
“That is part of the evaluation,” former US Open champion said.
“We want to make sure everyone is safe and comfortable and feels supported.”
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