Billie Jean King and Hollywood Win as Magic Johnson Skips NCAA Finals Action

Not just an athlete extraordinaire on the court, but a champion advocate off it too! We are not only talking about Magic Johnson, who won championships and now is part of multiple ownership groups to help the next generation of players. Instead, it’s his business partner, Billie Jean King, making waves right now! A 12x Grand Slam singles winner and one of the early voices who fought for equal pay and equal rights for women is right there next to him as one of America’s sporting titans. And during the tennis icon’s most recent big win in Hollywood, the Lakers legend was front and center as her biggest cheerleader.

The 81-year-old became the first woman to be recognized in the new sports entertainment category at the Walk of Fame. King received the 2,807th star, located near the famed intersection of Hollywood and Vine across from the historic Pantages Theater. Magic Johnson made sure to be present for his friend’s associate as his professional duties with the NCAA Finals between Houston and Florida took a backseat.

“I am so honored that I was able to attend the Hollywood Walk of Fame Ceremony for my incredible business partner and one of the greatest tennis champions in the world, Billie Jean King! Billie Jean is an inspirational force and change-maker. I will always admire how she spearheaded equal pay for women tennis players!”, reflected an elated Magic Johnson, on his social media as King received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The 5x NBA champion is an official spokesperson for Capital One’s March Madness campaign. Alongside Samuel L. Jackson, Charles Barkley, Spike Lee, and Showtime Laker captain Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, he was part of a commercial. Plus, he showed up during the Final Four game in San Antonio and received honor of his own: a Magic Blimp flying over the city and a mini blimp in the Alamodome.

But the 65-year-old was present for Billie Jean King’s Hollywood moment. He even gave a speech emphasizing the impact of the tennis icon on off-the-court activities. That’s why the Michigan State alum was “grateful” to share a few words honoring his friend and business partner. “I’m so grateful that her and her wife Ilana asked me to speak on such a special day,” Magic Johnson wrote on X.

Looking at Billie Jean King’s contributions that impressed Magic Johnson

In September 2023, it was the 50th anniversary of her legendary “Battle of the Sexes” win over Bobby Riggs. This monumental match was a turning point in the fight for gender equality in sports. Billie Jean King headed the formation of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) back in 1973. That would eventually pave the way for equal prize money at major tournaments.

Magic Johnson’s and King’s history solidified when the latter joined the Dodgers ownership group in 2018. The Lakers legend has already been part of the team since 2012. But King’s loud voice for LGBTQ+ community and her advocacy work will always take the top spot over business partnership. The tennis icon for her contribution earned the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009, plus she served as grand marshal of the 136th Rose Parade last year.

Let’s not forget that she was also the first woman to receive the Congressional Gold Medal, which Magic Johnson celebrated. Like her sporting accomplishments during her younger days, King continues to be the first with recent Hollywood moments!