ESPN Films Greenlights a Billie Jean King ’30 for 30′ Documentary Co-Directed By Oscar-Nominated Liz Garbus (EXCLUSIVE)

ESPN Films has greenlit a “30 for 30” documentary about Billie Jean King, which is now in production with Ridley Scott Associates and Story Syndicate, in association with Elton John’s Rocket Sports.

The docu is being touted as “the unfiltered, untold story of how King broke the rules and proved her critics wrong.” The film is told in King’s own voice and centers around one year that brings her life and career into focus: 1973.

Directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Liz Garbus (“What Happened, Miss Simone?”) and Elizabeth Wolff (“I’ll Be Gone in the Dark”) the doc promises to shed new light on King’s life and her transformative impact on sports and society.

“The legacy of Billie Jean King is like none other,” says Garbus. “She is a generational athletic talent, a pioneer in women’s sports, and a leader in the fight for equal pay and against discrimination in sports and society. Her bravery and her chutzpah are unmatched as she risked everything for everyone to have a chance at succeeding. Elizabeth and I are so excited to introduce Billie Jean to a whole new generation of young people who will see they are standing on her shoulders and be inspired to keep fighting for equality.”

Produced by Dominic Crossley Holland, Dan Cogan and Jay de Andrade, the doc is not the first to focus on King’s career. In 2006 HBO released “Billie Jean King: Portrait of a Pioneer” and in 2013 PBS’ American Masters made a 90-minute docu timed to commemorate the 40th anniversary of King’s “Battle of the Sexes” match with Bobby Riggs in 1973. The program chronicled the tennis star’s push to win women equal prize money and her own eventual outing, making her an icon of the gay-rights movement.

But King and her iconic story is the gift that keeps on giving especially given the ongoing fight for gender equality in sports.

“At 12 years old I dedicated my life to achieving equality for all,” says King. “That promise to myself has taken me on a journey of a lifetime full of joy, heartbreak, grit and guts. I have worked my entire life for women’s sports to take center stage. Today, girls and women athletes are living my dream. We hope to tell a story that will inspire future generations and make a positive impact in the lives of others.”

Since its inception in 2008, ESPN Films has produced over 100 sports docus including the Osacr winning “30 for 30” series “O.J.: Made in America,” about O.J. Simpson and “The Last Dance,” about Michael Jordan.

“In 1973, Billie Jean King’s story wasn’t only at a tipping point for own legendary career, but for America as well with abortion rights, LGBTIQA+ inclusion, the unfulfilled promise of the Equal
Rights Amendment, and the war in Vietnam all at a precipice,” says Wolff. “Billie Jean’s story is America’s story and Liz and I are thrilled to share how it’s just as sweeping and relevant as ever.”

Marsha Cooke, who was named vice president and executive producer of ESPN Films and “30 for 30”  in 2021 adds, “This documentary aims to reveal the real Billie Jean – not just the champion on the court, but the relentless advocate for equality and justice. Through her own voice and perspective, audiences will gain insight into her indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment to change.”

Further details, including the doc’s premiere date, will be announced later this year.