Introduction

Larry King Tennis, born on January 30, 1945, boasts a diverse resume encompassing roles as an attorney, pilot, real estate broker, and American sports promoter. Notably, he is also recognized as the former spouse of the renowned former World No. 1 professional tennis player, Billie Jean King.

Hailing from Dayton, Ohio, King spent his formative years in Eagle Rock, California. At California State University, Los Angeles, in 1963, he crossed paths with Billie Jean Moffitt. Their encounter transpired against the backdrop of collegiate tennis, where King showcased his prowess as a member of one of the school’s top men’s tennis teams under the guidance of coach Scotty Deeds.

The union between Larry King and Billie Jean Moffitt culminated in marriage on September 17, 1965, in Long Beach, California.

Larry King Tennis Journey

Larry King’s connection with tennis wasn’t merely a casual fling but a love affair that endured through the years. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, King’s early encounters with tennis were likely in the bustling streets of his neighbourhood, where makeshift courts and eager players dotted the landscape. As he grew, so did his fascination with the sport, eventually leading him to wield his racket on the professional circuit.

As Larry King’s broadcasting career soared, his passion for tennis remained steadfast. His interviews weren’t confined to the confines of a studio. They often spilled onto the courts, where he engaged in lively conversations with tennis legends and rising stars alike. His unique blend of wit, charm, and genuine curiosity made these interactions entertaining and insightful glimpses into the minds of those who graced the tennis stage.

Perosnal Life and his Marrige

Larry King was significant in propelling his wife, Billie Jean King, ascent to fame. While Billie Jean wasn’t initially recognized as a feminist icon, it was during the 1960s that Larry sparked her awareness regarding the absence of sports scholarships available to women. Far from obstructing her aspirations of tennis stardom, he steadfastly championed her success.

In a turn of events that became publicized, Billie Jean underwent an abortion in 1971, a revelation that surfaced in a Ms. magazine article. However, Larry disclosed this without consultation with Billie Jean, causing a rift.

The pinnacle of Billie Jean’s career came in 1973 when she triumphed over Bobby Riggs in a highly publicized match. Subsequently, the 2017 film “Battle of the Sexes” portrayed a depiction of events, suggesting Larry became aware of Billie Jean’s extramarital affair with another woman that same year and chose to overlook it, an assertion Larry has refuted as false.

Throughout their marriage, Billie Jean was involved romantically with her former secretary, Marilyn Barnett. The truth emerged in 1981 when Billie Jean publicly acknowledged the relationship amidst a lawsuit filed by Barnett seeking palimony. The revelation ultimately led to the dissolution of Larry and Billie Jean’s marriage in 1987.

Larry resides in Grass Valley, California, with his wife Nancy, who works as a cardiologist technician and pilot, alongside their two children, Sky and Katie. Interestingly, according to the movie “Battle of the Sexes,” Billie Jean King and her partner Ilana Kloss are godparents to Larry and Nancy’s children.

Larry King Tennis Career

In 1971, Larry King conceived the groundbreaking idea of establishing a professional tennis tour exclusively for women. His vision materialized as he rallied together a formidable group known as the Original Nine, comprising top women players such as Billie Jean King, Rosie Casals, Judy Dalton, and others. With the support of influential figures like Gladys Heldman from World Tennis Magazine and Joe Cullman, CEO of Philip Morris, King spearheaded the creation of the Virginia Slims pro circuit, marking a pivotal moment in women’s tennis history.

Not content with revolutionizing women’s tennis alone, King, Dennis Murphy, Jordan Kaiser, and Fred Barman embarked on another ambitious venture in 1973. Together, they conceptualized World Team Tennis, a novel league to inject fresh excitement into the sport. Thanks to their tireless efforts, the league officially kicked off the following year.

In a further display of entrepreneurial spirit, King and Billie Jean King collaborated in 1974 to establish Women’s Sports magazine, providing a platform to celebrate and promote women’s achievements in sports, a groundbreaking initiative.

Innovation seemed to be second nature to King, as evidenced by his creation of The Clean Air King, a smokeless ashtray introduced in 1976. Meanwhile, Billie Jean King’s entrepreneurial endeavours flourished as she assumed a significant ownership role in World Team Tennis by 1984, solidifying her legacy as a pioneering figure in sports administration.

Beyond the realm of tennis and sports, King and Dennis Murphy ventured into professional hockey with the founding of Roller Hockey International, a league that captivated audiences from 1993 to 1999. Murphy’s track record also included instrumental roles in establishing the American Basketball Association and the World Hockey Association, underscoring his knack for sports innovation.

Away from the spotlight, King indulged his passion for bridge, emerging as a director and master duplicate bridge player. His love for the game led to the creation of the Money Bridge tour, aimed at promoting bridges across the nation. Additionally, he founded Bridge University, furthering his mission to popularize the game and cementing his status as a multifaceted sports enthusiast and entrepreneur.

Conclusion

In summary, Larry King’s influence on sports, especially tennis, is profound. From pioneering women’s tennis tours to revolutionizing team tennis, his visionary leadership reshaped the game. Collaborations with Billie Jean King and ventures into other sports leagues further cemented his legacy as a sports innovator. Larry King’s enduring impact underscores the power of passion and determination in shaping the sporting world.