Tennis Legend Billie Jean King to Grace Limited-Edition Wheaties Box

In a historic first, tennis icon and equality champion Billie Jean King will be featured on a limited-edition Wheaties box, celebrating her remarkable career and tireless advocacy for women's equality. The 80-year-old American tennis Hall of Famer, who has won an astounding 39 Grand Slam titles across singles, women's doubles, and mixed doubles, will grace the iconic orange cereal boxes, set to hit store shelves across the United States later this month.

King's appearance on the Wheaties box is a tribute to her groundbreaking achievements both on and off the tennis court. With a record 20 Wimbledon championships and a total of 39 major titles, King's dominance in the sport is unquestionable. However, her impact extends far beyond her athletic prowess. King has been a driving force behind the creation of the women's professional tennis tour, the fight for equal prize money for women and men, and thepassage of Title IX, which prohibits sex-based discrimination in educational institutions that receive federal funding.

King's trailblazing efforts have earned her numerous accolades and firsts. She became the first woman athlete to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, and the first woman to have a major sports venue named in her honor - the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City. Additionally, King was the first woman to earn over $100,000 in prize money in a single tennis season, a milestone that paved the way for future generations of equality champions.

Reflecting on her Wheaties box debut, King expressed her appreciation and the significance of this recognition:"I am honored to be on the next Wheaties box to join the legacy of incredible athletes and the work we put in for our sport and our communities. I've dedicated my life to equality for all, uplifting those around me and inspiring girls and women, in particular, to dream big. This box feels like a full circle moment as we celebrate the next generation of champions."

The limited-edition Billie Jean King Wheaties box will be available at retailers nationwide later this month, with a suggested retail price of $6.19. The release coincides with the launch of Wheaties' new Protein cereal, which boasts more than 20 grams of protein per serving and comes in two flavors: Honey Pecan and Maple Almond.

Mindy Murray, Brand Experience Director for Morning Foods, praised King's enduring legacy:"Billie Jean King has been defining what it means to be a Wheaties Champion for decades, as a trueequalityadvocate for equality between men and women from the tennis court to the board room and beyond. King joins a distinguished list of athletes and fellow Olympians who have been honored with their own Wheaties box, cementing her status as a true icon across sports and beyond.

King's tennis achievements are nothing short of extraordinary. She was elected to the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1987 for her on-court success and then inducted again in 2021 as part of the Original 9, the group of women who laid the groundwork for the WTA Tour. Her 39 Grand Slam titles include 12 singles, 16 women's doubles, and 11 mixed doubles championships, showcasing her versatility and dominance across all formats of the game.

As King's likeness graces the Wheaties box, it serves as a powerful testament to her enduring legacy and the strides she has made for gender equality in sports and society at large. Her unwavering commitment to empowering women and challenging the status quo has left a lasting impact on the world, inspiring generations of athletes and advocates to follow in her footsteps.

Key Takeaways

• Billie Jean King becomes the 1st female tennis player to be featured on a Wheaties box.
• The limited-edition box celebrates King's 39 Grand Slam titles and advocacy for women's equality.
• King is a trailblazer for women's tennis, fighting for equal prize money and passage of Title IX.
• The Wheaties box is part of a new Protein cereal launch, available nationwide later this month.
• King's legacy inspires generations of athletes and advocates, cementing her status as a sports icon.