While Billie Jean won on court, her ex-husband, Larry W. King, managed the legal work that made women’s tennis possible. He was even responsible for Billie Jean defeating Bobby Riggs in the legendary ‘Battle of the Sexes.’ Without his managing her crucial legal work, she might not have made history 53 years ago. Now, at 81, the quiet yet monumental figure has left the world, and his death cast a somber shadow over tennis.

Billie Jean shared the heartbreaking news on May 29: “Larry W. King passed away today following an illness. Larry was one of the unsung heroes in the establishment of women’s professional tennis in the early 1970s.” Larry passed away at his home because of prostate cancer.

Larry and Billie Jean first met while attending Cal State LA and eventually tied the knot in 1965. Together, they built a personal and professional partnership that left a lasting impression on professional tennis.

Reflecting on their years together, BJK said, “We were married for 22 years and in business together for decades. He was involved behind the scenes when the Original 9 signed our one-dollar contracts, and he and I co-owned several tournaments on the Virginia Slims Tour.”

Larry’s influence stretched far beyond what many fans ever saw from the outside. While Billie Jean became one of the faces of women’s tennis, Larry often worked quietly behind the scenes to help make major projects a reality for future generations.

Together they founded World TeamTennis, with Larry designing colored courts and a revamped scoring system that made the format stand out.

Larry also played a crucial role when the Original 9 signed their $1 contracts with Gladys Heldman in September 1970. Alongside Billie Jean, he co-owned several tournaments on the Virginia Slims Circuit that emerged from that groundbreaking moment.

In 1973, he handled much of the legal work needed to establish the WTA during a meeting involving 60 players on the eve of Wimbledon.

Larry drafted the WTA’s bylaws, enabling the election of officers for the newly formed association. His efforts helped lay the foundation for what would become one of the most influential organizations in tennis.

Highlighting his impact, Billie Jean said, “He was integral and did much of the important legal work to establish the Women’s Tennis Association and the historic Battle of the Sexes match in 1973; and the Women’s Sports Foundation and women Sports magazine in 1974. He also was a co-founder of World TeamTennis.”

Billie Jean, now married to Ilana Kloss, shared a personal message of condolence, writing, “Ilana, my wife and business partner, and I are deeply saddened by Larry’s passing and we extend our deepest condolences to his wife, Nancy, and their children – our godchildren -Sky (his wife Caroline and daughter Athena) and Katie.”

Married for 22 years, Larry and Billie Jean King divorced in 1987. He later married Nancy Bolger King, whom he met on the WTA tour in the late 1980s. The couple moved to Grass Valley. There, Larry co-founded Roller Hockey International (RHI) and the Bridge Pro Tour.

Following the news of Larry’s death, the tennis world responded with tributes highlighting Larry’s invisible hand. Pam Shriver, a 22-time Grand Slam doubles champion, responded with a “🙏” emoji under BJK’s post on X.

Valerie Camillo honors the legacy of Larry King

The WTA also paid tribute through its official Instagram account. In its statement, the WTA wrote, “He stood beside Billie Jean and all the players in their quest for equality, inclusion and respect. In Billie Jean’s words, ‘Larry was one of the unsung heroes in the establishment of women’s professional tennis.’”

Current WTA Chair Valerie Camillo’s statement echoed a broader recognition across the sport. 

Reflecting on his legacy, Camillo said, “Larry King didn’t just champion equality from the sidelines — he embodied male allyship at a defining moment for sports, culture, and society.”

She continued to explain why his contributions were so significant:

“Standing with Billie Jean and sharing her mission for positive change, his moral advocacy and vital contributions as a lawyer and businessman set the stage for the WTA Tour as we know it.”

Larry helped make many of those ambitions possible, and his influence can still be seen throughout today’s game. 

As tributes continue to arrive from across the tennis community, many are remembering him as one of the key figures who helped shape the women’s game and modernize the sport. 

RIP Larry…