Larry W. King, an “unsung hero” in establishment of women’s pro tennis and former husband of Billie Jean King, has died

Tennis legend Billie Jean King and her former husband, Larry W. King, were college sweethearts who met at Cal State Los Angeles and married in 1965. Together for 22 years, they were instrumental in building the WTA Tour and co-founding World TeamTennis.

They divorced in 1987 but remained lifelong friends until Larry King’s passing earlier today at the age of 81.

Billie Jean writes in a social media post: Larry was one of the unsung heroes in the establishment of women’s professional tennis in the early 1970s.

Larry and I met at Cal State LA, where Larry opened my eyes to feminism. 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.

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 womenSports magazine in 1974. He also was a co-founder of World TeamTennis.

Larry’s intelligence, love, commitment, and humor helped me navigate my career for more than 20 years.

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.